Transplant Process

The most important step in the transplant process is the first one – It all starts with being referred to the Center for Advanced Liver Disease and Transplantation. All patients with severe liver disease are considered for liver transplantation However, before any decision to transplant is made, each patient’s case is evaluated thoroughly to determine the exact cause and extent of the liver disease.

Patients and their referring doctors are asked to provide the transplant team with a complete record of prior tests and treatments to facilitate the evaluation process.

• Making your first appointment
  • If you wish to be seen by our team, please see the provided instructions. A patient navigator will assist in collecting necessary medical records and scheduling your initial evaluation.
• Pre-Transplant Evaluation
  • A complete evaluation will be conducted, and a plan of care will be created for each patient. This includes medical, surgical, psychosocial, financial, and nutritional consultations at a minimum. It is an exhaustive process, but our transplant coordinators and patient navigators are there to help, every step of the way.
• Transplant Waitlist
  • Once approved to be listed by the team, patients are added to the UNOS Waitlist. While waiting, it is important to maintain status updates, with current lab work and imaging. Communication with your team members at UH is very important at this time.
• Transplantation
  • When a donor liver becomes available, our transplant coordinator will notify the patient. ’The Call’ is the best part of the process, and it kicks off a series of events that ultimately leads up to the surgery. Every patient should expect to stay at the hospital for several days to recover.
• Post-Transplant
  • Organ transplants require life-long follow up care. A post- transplant coordinator will help schedule appointments, manage medication, test for infections or complications, and ensure overall well-being with a new organ.