Liver transplantation is a complex process that many find overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most common questions asked by those seeking a liver transplantation, as well as by those who are considering becoming a living liver donor.
As our patient, we are dedicated to answering all of your questions and supporting you throughout every step of the process. Be sure to ask your care team any question that you may have. We are here to support you.
How long is the wait for a liver transplant?
The waiting time for any organ, including a liver, depends on the current supply and demand. At 麻豆高清, we are proud to offer one of the shortest wait times in the region and country.
How does the waiting list for a liver transplant work?
Once patients are approved by our care team, you will meet with our financial coordinator. Next, you will be placed on the waiting list.聽
The UNOS is a federally authorized organization that maintains a database for all organ transplant recipients in the United States. The waiting list is determined by medical urgency or need, which is based on your Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.
Your care team will discuss the waiting list process in detail with you. In addition, you will receive continuous support from a dedicated nurse waiting list coordinator.
What is a MELD score?
The MELD score is based on numbers determined from a blood test, including creatinine (kidney function), bilirubin (liver function), sodium and INR (which stands for 鈥渋nternalized normalized ratio鈥 and indicates the time that the blood takes to clot or become a certain consistency). Your score will be updated periodically while you are on the waiting list.聽
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What is the evaluation process?
To join a waiting list, you must first be evaluated and approved by a liver transplant team. You may undergo tests, such as a blood test or an . Your doctor will discuss the evaluation process with you at length
Can I travel while on the liver transplant waiting list?
Your doctor and transplant coordinator are available to answer your questions at any time. Many patients can travel safely while waiting for a liver transplant. Be sure to discuss the details of your travel with your care team to help you determine if traveling is the best choice for you. When you travel, give your destination address and phone number to your care team in case they need to contact you for a liver transplant.
How successful is liver transplantation?
At 麻豆高清, the liver transplant success rates are very high. In many cases, our program ranks the best in the region. Many of our patients go on to lead full, vibrant and long lives after their transplant surgeries.
As a patient, you can directly improve your chance of long-term success by carefully taking the medications you have been prescribed, as well as consistently following your care team鈥檚 recommendations for diet, exercise and avoiding infection. Also, be sure to visit your care team frequently to monitor your health and well-being.
What are the major risks in liver transplantation?
All major surgeries, including liver transplantation, include risks for bleeding, poor function of the transplanted liver, bile leaks and infection. At 麻豆高清, our expert care team is highly trained to monitor for early signs of these risks to promote a faster recovery.聽
For liver transplantation, there is a risk that your body may reject the transplanted liver. You will be monitored closely for signs of rejection. You will also take medications to lessen the likelihood of this rejection. Over time, rejection becomes less common.
What is rejection?
Rejection is the body鈥檚 natural reaction to a foreign object. When a new liver is transplanted, your body may see it as a threat and cause your immune system to produce antibodies to try to attack the new organ.
To prevent rejection, you will be prescribed immunosuppressant medications. You will need to take these consistently, for the rest of your life to promote long-term health.
If you do experience rejection, our team will treat it as soon as possible. It is important to take all medications as recommended by your care team and meet with your doctors consistently to monitor for signs of rejection.
What is recovery like after a liver transplant?
Your recovery will depend on a variety of factors, including how healthy you are before your surgery.
Typically, most patients spend about one week in the hospital after the surgery. After you return home, you can expect to need additional rest for several weeks before resuming your daily routine. After a few months, you will meet with your doctor. At that time, your doctor may tell you that you are well enough to resume work and driving. Learn more about liver transplant surgery and recovery.
How frequent is the medical follow-up care after liver transplantation?
You will return to your care team frequently聽after your liver transplant to monitor your liver function and blood health, as well as monitor for any signs of infection or that your body is rejecting the transplanted liver.
Is receiving a liver donated by a living friend or family member an option?
Yes. Living liver donation is an option that you should discuss with your doctor. While not all institutions offer this option, 麻豆高清 has one of the most advanced and well respected living liver transplant programs in the region.
Your friend or family member will be carefully evaluated. A living liver donation benefits the patient receiving the transplanted organ because the transplant surgery happens at an ideal time that is planned, often sooner than when an organ becomes available from a deceased donor.
Learn more about our Living Donor Liver Transplantation Program.
Where can I get more information?
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. Our team at 麻豆高清 is always happy to provide the most update-to-date information about any specific topic that you want to learn more about. Also, be sure to also read the for more information about organ donation, including liver donation.
Does 麻豆高清 provide emotional support services for liver transplant patients?
Yes. Our care team includes social workers and psychiatrists.聽 In addition, we provide an extensive education so that you know what to expect during your transplant. Care giver, usually a family member or close friend, is required as well. Together your liver team with doctors, nurses, surgeon, social workers, physical therapists all work to provide emotional support before, during and after the transplantation surgery.