If you’re considering a liver transplant, you and your family may have lots of questions. The answers can help you understand what to expect, so you feel more prepared and confident as you move through the transplant process.
These frequently asked questions address transplant eligibility, surgery, recovery and long-term care. For more specific or detailed questions, reach out to your care team.
People with advanced liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver (with its associated complications), liver failure or some types of liver cancer who are healthy enough for surgery and long-term follow-up care may qualify for a liver transplant. A comprehensive medical evaluation reviewed by a transplant committee determines whether you are eligible.
Transplant urgency is based on medical guidelines that factor in how sick a person is, how sick the liver is and how quickly they need a transplant.
One of the main tools used to determine this urgency is the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, commonly known as the MELD score. People who are eligible for transplant are added to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) list, and their ranking on the list is mainly based on their MELD score.
This system helps make sure donor livers are allotted fairly. The sickest people on the list will receive their transplants first.
There is no upper age limit. Each person’s eligibility takes into account their overall health and their ability to recover after surgery.
Children can receive liver transplants but we do not perform liver transplants in children at Banner Health. Children should get care at a specialized pediatric center.
Waiting times vary depending on medical urgency, available donor livers and other factors. Your wait could range from days to years. Your transplant team can explain what to expect based on your situation.
Learn more about liver transplant qualifications.
Liver transplant surgery usually takes several hours, depending on complexity.
Liver transplant is a major surgery with risks that include infection, bleeding and rejection of the donor liver. Careful evaluation and close monitoring by an experienced care team help reduce these risks.
During transplant surgery, the diseased liver is removed and discarded. It’s replaced with a healthy donor liver.
Hospital stays vary based on your recovery, overall health and how well the new liver is functioning. Most people stay in the hospital for 7-10 days and go home afterward. Some people may need more recovery time in an acute rehabilitation facility before returning home.
There are many medications that are required to maintain a healthy functioning liver after liver transplant. The number of medications depends not only on the transplant itself, but on all other conditions and health issues you may have. You will need to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of your life. You will also need to take other medications to protect your transplanted liver and manage side effects.
Recovery happens gradually. Many people feel stronger over the first several months and continue to improve over time.
Return to work and normal activities depends on how well your recovery is progressing and the type of work you do. Your care team can help you understand what to expect and recommend when you may return to certain activities.
While information about your donor is confidential, your transplant social worker may be able to give you some information about that person and coordinate a thank you letter. Keep in mind that everyone grieves differently and while many families of donors respond, not all do.
Learn more about what happens after a liver transplant.
Most people are referred by a hepatologist (liver specialist), gastroenterologist (digestive system specialist) or primary care provider. The transplant team reviews referrals to determine the next steps.
Follow-up care includes regular clinic visits, lab work and medication management, especially during the first year after transplant.
Yes. Lifelong follow-up and medication protect the transplanted liver and support your long-term health. You will need care, including anti-rejection medication, for the rest of your life.
Every person’s liver transplant journey is unique. Your care team can help answer questions about your situation.
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