In this case, all your evaluation results have returned indicating that you’re a suitable candidate for liver transplantation. We’ll add you to the liver wait-list, and if you have a potential living donor, it will then be appropriate for potential live donors to contact our department so we may begin their evaluation.
This is done based on an individual’s medical condition. For example, candidates may need a colonoscopy, or female candidates may require a mammogram and pap-smear. Some abnormalities discovered through diagnostic testing may require a specialist, such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. Other patients may require a liver biopsy, or additional radiological testing.
Almost all transplant centers in the United States require six months of complete sobriety before patients can be considered for transplantation. This is done because the liver is a regenerative organ; without drugs and alcohol its condition may improve to the point where a liver transplant is no longer necessary.
If you have a history of substance abuse we may require you to attend substance abuse counseling before being listed for a liver transplant. Our social worker will discuss this situation with you as necessary.
Certain issues may disqualify you from receiving a liver transplant. If you are declined, our physician will talk to you about your options. Some of the reasons for being declined may be: