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

What Follow-Up Is Necessary After a Liver Transplant?

Your first return appointment will generally be scheduled about one week to two weeks after discharge. During this visit, you will see the transplant surgeon and transplant coordinator. If needed, a social worker or a member of the psychiatric team may also be available.

All patients return to their transplant hospital approximately five months after the transplant. If a T-tube was inserted during the operation, it will be removed by the transplant surgeon at this time.

All patients are scheduled to return to the hospital at their one-year transplant anniversary date and annually thereafter.

Your primary care doctor should be notified when you receive your transplant and when you are discharged. Though most problems related to the transplant will need to be taken care of at the transplant hospital, your primary care doctor will remain an important part of your medical care.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, April 2004, WebMD.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic

Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 8:20:26 AM

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