The first step in a Liver Transplant Evaluation is a visit to a Jefferson Transplant Hepatologist.
Normally, the patient’s doctor forwards a copy of all medical records for review. The hepatologist reviews these records,
examines the patient, and presents the case to the Liver Transplantation and Surgery Team.
After the Team agrees that the patient would benefit from a liver transplant, then the patient is scheduled for a Liver Transplant
Evaluation Session.
Evaluation Session
Prior to the Evaluation Session, the patient may be asked to have additional tests, including blood and X-rays. These tests
help the Team to be sure this is the best time to consider a transplant.
During the Evaluation Session, the patient will likely meet again with the Jefferson Hepatologist as well as other members
of the Transplant Team: transplant nurse coordinators, a social worker, and transplant surgeons.
The evaluation process is lengthy and can be overwhelming for patients. However, it is the best way to make what is a set
of extremely important decisions that affect not just one patient’s life but (due to the shortage of available organs) others
as well.
Transplant is truly a team effort, and the evaluation process plays an important role in the patient’s treatment plan. After
the evaluation has been completed, a decision will be made regarding placement on the liver transplant waiting list.
