Frequently Asked Questions: Liver

Preoperative

How do I get on the waiting list?

1. Ask your doctor for a referral to the Lahey Clinic Liver Transplant Program.
2. Make an appointment for an initial consultation.
3. After the initial consultation, if you and your physicians feel it is appropriate for you to continue with the liver transplant evaluation process, a comprehensive, two-day evaluation will be scheduled.
4. Two weeks after you complete the evaluation, the transplant team will meet to review all the information that was gathered. If there is nothing outstanding, your name will be placed on the waiting list.

How does the list work?

Liver Transplant: How Status on the List Is Determined

How long do I have to wait?

The average waiting time in New England for a liver is about 2 to 2 1/2 years (but it can range from weeks to years).

Who can be a live donor?

Donors are relatives or close friends with significant emotional ties to the recipient. Donors must have a compatible blood type and body size as determined by height and weight. Potential donors must be negative for hepatitis B and C and have no serious medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. For further information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for our Liver Donor Program .

Post Operative

How long will I be in the hospital?

Following transplant, most people are in the hospital for an average of 14 days.

Do I need to take medication after transplant?

Immunosuppressant medications are started immediately after surgery. Patients in our transplant program take at least one immuno-suppressing medication for the rest of their lives.

Can I return to work after transplant?

Absolutely! Most people need about three months to recover from surgery before they return to work on a full time basis.

Can I travel after a liver transplant?

Yes. You can travel near and far as long as you always have your medication with you.

Can I have children after transplant?

Yes. Following transplant, women have become pregnant and delivered healthy babies and men have fathered children. Planning a pregnancy, however, should be carefully discussed with the transplant team.

Can I play sports after a liver transplant?

Yes. Everyday sports such as tennis, golf, softball and basketball are not only fun, but also a good way to stay in shape following transplant.