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.