In this Article

• When is a liver transplant needed?
• How are candidates for liver transplant determined?
• Which tests are required before getting a liver transplant?
• How does the waiting list work?
• Where does a liver for a transplant come from?
• What happens when they find a match?
• What happens during the transplant operation?
• What complications are associated with liver transplantation?
• What are antirejection medications?
• When will I be able to go home?
• What follow-up is necessary after a liver transplant?
• Liver Transplant Index

How Are Candidates for Liver Transplant Determined?

Evaluations by specialists from a variety of fields are needed to determine if transplantation is appropriate. The evaluation includes a review of your medical history and a variety of tests. Many healthcare facilities offer an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate and to select candidates for liver transplantation. This interdisciplinary healthcare team may include the following professionals:

• Liver specialist (hepatologist)
• Transplant surgeons
• Transplant coordinator, usually a registered nurse who specializes in the care of liver-transplant patients (his person will be your primary contact with the transplant team)
• Social worker to discuss your support network of family and friends, employment history, and financial needs
• Psychiatrist to help you deal with issues, such as anxiety and depression, which may accompany the liver transplantation
• Anesthesiologist to discuss potential anesthesia risks
• Chemical dependency specialist to aid those with history of alcohol or drug abuse
• Financial counselor to act as a liaison between a patient and his or her insurance companies

Which Tests Are Required Before Getting a Liver Transplant?

You will need to bring all of your previous doctor records, X-rays, liver biopsy slides and a record of medications to your pre-evaluation. To complement and to update previous tests, some or all of the following diagnostic studies are generally performed during your evaluation. If specific problems are identified, additional tests may be ordered.

• Computed tomography, which uses X-rays and a computer to generate pictures of the liver, showing its size and shape.
• Doppler ultrasound to determine if the blood vessels to and from your liver are open.
• Echocardiogram to help evaluate your heart.
• Pulmonary function studies to determine your lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Blood tests to determine blood type, clotting ability, and biochemical status of blood and to gauge liver function. AIDS testing and hepatitis screening are also included.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• lactulose-oral, Chronulac, Constilac, Constulose, Duphalac, Evalose - Consumer information about the medication LACTULOSE - ORAL (Chronulac, Constilac, Constulose, Duphalac, Evalose), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug LACTULOSE - ORAL.
• Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
• Cirrhosis (Liver) - Learn about cirrhosis of the liver symptoms including jaundice, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, itching, and easy bruising.

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