Liver Transplant Evaluation
The goals of the evaluation process for liver transplant are to determine whether you:
- Have any medical conditions that would interfere with transplant success.
- Are healthy enough to have surgery and can tolerate life-long post-transplant medications.
- Are willing and able to take medications as directed and follow the recommendations of the transplant team.
Tests, procedures and consultations you may undergo include:
- A general health exam including routine cancer screening tests to evaluate your overall health.
- Imaging tests such as an ultrasound of your liver.
- Heart tests to determine the health of your cardiovascular system
- Laboratory tests including blood and urine tests to assess the health of your liver and other organs
- Nutrition counseling with dietitians to assess your nutritional status and make recommendations on what to eat pre- and post-transplant.
- Psychological evaluation to assess and treat any underlying issues such as anxiety or depression, and determine whether you fully understand the risks associated with a liver transplant.
- Meetings with social workers to assess your support network and determine whether you have family/friends to help care for you following the transplant.
- Addiction counseling to help individuals with alcohol, drug or tobacco addictions quit.
- Financial counseling to help you understand the cost of a transplant and post-transplant care and to determine what costs are covered by insurance.
Once these consultations and tests are completed, the transplant center’s selection committee meets to discuss your case and determine whether a liver transplant is the best treatment for you. If deemed appropriate, you are placed on the liver transplant waiting list.