The Transplant Process

In order to undergo liver transplantation, a number of steps and procedures must be followed to ensure a successful transplant process. These steps include:
Patients are usually referred to us by their hepatologist or oncologist. We do accept self-referrals! Patients are encouraged to seek transplant evaluation as soon as diagnosed with moderate hepatic insufficiency. This is to establish records, perform the appropriate workup, and proceed with transplant listing.

The Work up Process

After successfully completing your initial pre-transplant evaluation, your transplant coordinator will begin scheduling appointments for testing and procedures needed prior to transplant. Some of these tests or procedures will need to be updated annually. Your transplant coordinator will notify you when a test or procedure needs to be updated. It is important to keep up with your tests and procedures so that you can be transplanted when you get the call.

Required Testing

All patients will be presented at the Patient Selection Committee Meeting (PSC) after they have completed all their testing and have been seen by the multidisciplinary transplant team.
The purpose of the PSC is to review the results of testing, discuss visits with the multidisciplinary team, and to determine if they qualify for placement on the transplant wait list.
The results of the PSC discussion will be conveyed to the patient and referring physician within 10 days.
If you are approved and cleared by the multidisciplinary team in PSC, you will be added to the National Waiting List for pancreas transplant. You will be placed on the waiting list based on your blood type and antibody test.
The national organ waiting list is managed by an organization called the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a private, nonprofit agency that works with the federal government. UNOS keeps track of all the people in the United States who need pancreas transplants, and matches them with donors.
If you are not approved for listing at the time of PSC, your transplant coordinator will explain any additional testing or requirements to get you listed for transplant. On some occasions, you may not qualify for transplant. Your coordinator will explain in detail as well as send a letter to your primary doctor explaining the reasons you cannot be transplanted at this time.

Organ Offers

When a suitable donor is found, the surgeon and coordinator will first review donor history and testing results. If the offer is suitable for you, the surgeon will give the OK to admit you for your transplant. In some cases, the surgeon or transplant coordinator may call and discuss the organ offer with you.

Getting the Call

Once you have received a call from the coordinator and you have accepted the organ offer, you will then be instructed to arrive at St Vincent as soon as possible. Please drive to St Vincent with as many important members of your family as necessary.
Your coordinator will ask you the following questions:
Once these questions have been answered, you coordinator will instruct you not to eat or drink anything and come to the hospital. If you are diabetic, please inform the coordinators so that instruction about medication dosing can be given. You should bring all current medications and a bag with a set of clothes and other essentials for hospital admission.

Arrival to the Hospital

We strive to proceed with transplant ASAP, however we realize there may be need for further evaluation and or need for dialysis . You will be directed to Admissions and then the floor for nursing assessment, have some additional testing done including blood work, EKG, and chest xray, and any other testing that needs to be updated since your last clinic visit. You may require dialysis prior to your transplant. The transplant surgeon will order dialysis if needed.
On arrival to the hospital, you will be greeted by your surgeon. He will prefer to speak to you and your family members about the details of the process, including risks and benefits.

The Transplant Operation

The process of anesthesia, prior to the actual surgery starting, can take 1-2 hrs. The anesthesia portion involves sedation, paralysis, intubation (insertion of a breathing tube), IV lines (arterial, central venous, cardiac monitoring), and occasionally transesophageal echocardiography.
In addition, prior to surgery a catheter will be placed into your bladder to drain urine and tube in our stomach via your nose (nasogastric tube). These catheters are generally removed on post op day 3-4. On rare occasion depending on your condition – the catheters may stay longer.
In some instances, surgery starts by proceeding with incisions made in your upper chest and grown for placing large IV lines to allow for blood “bypass”. Once this is completed an incision on your abdomen.
Your old liver is removed and your new one is replaced.
The two veins, one artery, and bile duct of the new liver all require surgical reconstruction. These are major blood vessels in the body and extreme care is taken during the re-sewing of these vessels.
Surgery time varies from 6 hours to as long as 14 hours. More or less time does not mean better or worse results. Every patient is different and unique in their own way that can affect surgery time.
On rare occasions there is a planned scenario to bring the patient back to the operating room during the course of the next 1-3 days. This is often not related to complications but more so related to anticipated staging steps of the operation for certain people. You are then awakened and transported to the recovery room or directly to the intensive care unit (ICU). While in the ICU your blood pressure, heart rate and lung oxygen exchange will be closely monitored. The ICU is a busy location with critical patients and thus family visits and intervals are limited. Once your doctors consider your condition stable they will then transfer you to the transplant floor outside the ICU.
After successfully receiving a transplant, our job is not done. A transplanted organ requires periodic maintenance and follow-up care to make sure both the organ and the patient continue to thrive!

Hospital Recovery

Once surgery is complete, you are then awakened and transported to the recovery room or directly to the Intensive Care Unit , which is located on the 4th floor.
Your surgeon will have spoken to your family and they should be able to visit you within 1-2 hours of arriving at the ICU, Once your doctors consider your condition stable they will then transfer you to the 5th or 7th floor.
In general by now you will be free from most IV lines and allowed to eat and ambulate. During surgery a catheter will be placed into your bladder to drain urine. This catheter is removed on post op day 3-4. On rare occasion depending on your condition- the catheter may stay longer or you may even be sent home with a catheter to have a voiding trial later at the clinic.
By post-op day 4-5 you are ready for discharge. Instructions include:
Possible complications following kidney/pancreas transplant include:
We advise all patients interested in pancreas transplant there may be up to 30% chance of a second surgical procedure to repair or possibly remove the kidney and/or pancreas. The rate of pancreas clot nationally is 1-5% and we are proud to have better than expected pancreas results at St. Vincent.

Discharge from Hospital

Going Home from Transplant

During your admission to the hospital for pancreas transplant, the transplant coordinator will meet with you and your designated caregivers to discuss and educate you about how to take care of your new organ. A log book and manual will be given during your first teaching session.
You will be taught to monitor for:

Medications

A transplant Pharmacist will review all of your new life-long medications to prevent rejection. All other medications you are taking will also be reviewed with you before discharge.

24-Hour Nursing Care

A nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week including weekends and holidays. They can be reached at (213) 484-5551. The nurse can answer any questions you have related to transplant and call your doctors with any urgent needs.

The first 90 days

After leaving the hospital, you will follow up in the transplant clinic closely, as frequently as daily until you are stabilized. Labs are done every clinic visit in the morning before you take your medications. The transplant team will monitor your lab results, urinary output, vital signs, and incision closely to assure no complications arise.

What to bring to your clinic visit

At the end of your clinic visit, your transplant coordinator will review any medication changes and provide a new medication list, prescriptions and lab orders for the next visit. It may be necessary to call you at home with lab results. Keep your medication list with you and be prepared to write down any changes to your medications.

The First 5 years

Once you are more stable, you will be seen less frequently in the transplant clinic. You will need to follow up with your primary doctor 90 days after transplant and regularly after that. Your primary doctor will manage any related health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and your regular annual health exam and cancer screenings. You will also need to follow up with any specialist physicians regularly such as Endocrinology and Cardiology.

What to bring to clinic

A needle biopsy may be needed to find the reasons for ongoing problems with the pancreas transplant. Possible treatments for chronic rejection include different types of immunosuppression, steroids, or other medications.

Understanding Your Pancreas

Your pancreas is located in your upper abdomen, behind your stomach and on top of your spine. It is divided into 3 parts: the head, which is located next to the small intestine, the body, and the tail, which is close to your spleen.

The pancreas has 2 main functions :

Problems With Your Liver

The liver has an amazing ability to regenerate when damaged. However, there are certain conditions which permanently effect the liver and require medical intervention. Some of these include:

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. The first sign of hepatitis may be flu-like symptoms or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). In some cases no symptoms might be noted.
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. There are different types, but the two most common are Hepatitis B  and Hepatitis C . The virus is spread through contact or contamination of blood.
If the disease has been left untreated for many years, hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis, cancer, or end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplant.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of pancreatitis, your doctor may order blood tests or scans of your abdomen. Sometimes you may also need a procedure.

Blood tests

Imaging

Procedures

How is pancreatitis treated?

Hospital Admission

Some patients with pancreatitis have to be admitted to the hospital. You will receive intravenous fluids and pain medications until your pain has gone away.
Some patients have more severe episodes of pancreatitis and might spend some time in the intensive care unit. Sometimes the treatment involves not eating which may require a feeding tube through your nose into your intestines until you get better.

Surgery for Pancreatitis

If you have gallstones, your gallbladder will be removed with an operation called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after you have recovered from pancreatitis.
If your pancreas has been severely damaged, you can develop a pocket of fluid or infection which may require an endoscopy procedure or a Surgery  to drain it.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver occurs when the liver begins to store fat at levels that are not normal. This usually occurs when a patient is at least 20 pounds overweight.
Fatty liver occurs when the liver begins to store fat at levels that are not normal. This usually occurs when a patient is at least 20 pounds overweight. In some individuals, the liver becomes fatty but no damage is done, this is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD. In other people, the fat in the liver causes damage, and this is known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is the form of fatty liver that is very dangerous to your health.
NASH occurs when there is inflammation of the liver because of fat. This often occurs in people who are overweight, pre-diabetics/diabetics, those who have high cholesterol, or people who take certain medicines. Because of the damage being done to the liver, the “enzymes” become elevated, which is another way of saying your liver cells are dying faster than expected. As your liver cells die, they are replaced with scar tissue (fibrosis).
Fatty liver may not cause any symptoms in some people, others may complain of pain on their right side where the liver is. The liver actually does not have nerves to sense pain, but it has a capsule or skin around it that does have nerves. As the capsule stretches because of the fat, patients may experience a constant dull pain. If a patient’s weight increases 10% above the ideal amount, then probably fatty liver is present.

Blood Tests

If fat is harming the patient would be to check a blood test, specifically measuring liver enzymes. If the AST and ALT are high, this may be a sign that the patient has NASH.

Imaging

Fatty liver disease can be diagnosed by a ultrasound, MRI, CT or fibroscan, which can also tell your doctor if there is serious scar tissue present.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy can tell us what stage you are at and confirm the diagnosis of NASH.
Currently, the best treatment for fatty liver is diet and exercise, along with good control of other medical condition like diabetes and high cholesterol. Losing just 20 pounds brings most patients back to health. Vitamin E may help but increases risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, so we don’t recommend it.

What is the best diet for me?

What can I eat?

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What can’t I eat?

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis occurs when the liver becomes “scarred,” oftentimes due to chronic alcohol use or infection with hepatitis virus.
Cirrhosis is inflammation and scarring of the liver. It can be a consequence of fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or heavy alcohol abuse. Both women and men who drink too much can have this condition. Some information suggests that genetics and problems with alcohol metabolism can make this condition worse. Cirrhosis can also occur at any age, but usually takes many years to develop.
Cirrhosis can be diagnosed by clinical exam. Patients with cirrhosis oftentimes can develop:
Cirrhosis can also be diagnosed by:

Blood Tests

Patients will have low albumin and high bilirubin levels, both of which are markers of liver function. Additionally, as the liver becomes more scarred blood is shunted to spleen and platelets get trapped there, which causes patients to have very low platelet counts.

Imaging

Cirrhosis can be diagnosed by a ultrasound, MRI, CT or fibroscan, which can also tell your doctor if there is serious scar tissue present.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy can tell us what stage of cirrhosis you are at.
Unfortunately there is no cure for cirrhosis. However, the ability to slow down the disease from getting worse is critical. Liver doctors are known as hepatologist, and they are usually the medical specialist best suited to handle complex cases of the liver.
In cases where cirrhosis progressed to end-stage liver disease, patients may need a liver transplant evaluation, which can be curative.

Liver Cysts

Liver cysts are usually benign, but can sometimes lead to problems which require treatment.

What are liver cysts?

Cysts in the liver can be single or multiple. They usually contain fluid which is either consistent with serum or bile. Sometimes they can contain infectious materials.

What are the signs and symptoms of liver cysts?

The symptoms of liver cysts can be variable, but oftentimes include nausea, vomiting, pain, or jaundice. Some patients may not have any symptoms.

Liver Cysts

How are liver cysts diagnosed?

Cysts of the liver are best diagnosed by an imaging procedure. Common tests include:

CT SCAN

Sometimes referred to as a “cat” scan, CT imaging uses x-rays to create very detailed black and white images of your insides. Oftentimes it is necessary to inject contrast dye into your veins during a CT scan to better visualize tumors.

ULTRASOUND

Using sound waves, ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless way to detect liver tumors. The procedure is typically performed by an ultrasound technician after application of ultrasound “gel” on your skin.

MRI

after being placed in a tube, a magnetic field is applied which can then be used to visualize your liver. Oftentimes it is necessary to inject contrast dye into your veins during a MRI to better visualize tumors. If you are claustrophobic or have metal implants, pacemakers, or shrapnel, please alert your care team prior to undergoing an MRI.

How are liver cysts treated?

Once a liver cyst is diagnosed, the next step involves a treatment plan depending on a number of factors, including symptom, concern for malignancy, or infectious risk. The vast majority of cysts do not require any treatment, but sometimes may be treated with:

Observation

If cysts are thought to be benign on imaging or atypical for a simple cyst, sometimes your doctor may want to recommend close follow-up with repeat imaging or laboratory tests to make sure the cyst doesn’t grow or warrant treatment.

Surgery

The goal of liver surgery  is to either remove the cyst completely or “unroof” the cyst to allow it to drain freely into your abdomen. Surgery can be performed using an abdominal surgical incision (“open surgery”), laparoscopic “keyhole” surgery, or with the assistance of a robot.

Antibiotics

If the cyst is suspected to be infectious, oftentimes antibiotics are started for control. If the infection resolves and the cyst becomes smaller, no further treatment is required. However, if the infection persists then sometimes percutaneous drainage or surgical drainage is performed.

Drainage

Typically for infectious cysts that are not responding to antibiotics, patients undergo placement of a small drainage catheter through the skin to drain the cyst. The catheter is then removed after the cyst resolves. Percutaneous drainage is not performed for simple cysts because once the catheter is removed, the simple cyst usually reaccumulates!

Liver Tumors

Tumors in the liver can start in the liver or spread to the liver from other sites (“metastases”).
Tumors in the liver can either start in the liver (“primary”) or spread there from cancers that start in other parts of the body (“metastatic”). The symptoms of liver tumors can be variable, but oftentimes include weight loss, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), itching, or pain. Some patients may not have any symptoms.

Primary Tumors

Metastatic Tumors

How are liver tumors diagnosed?

Tumors of the liver are best diagnosed by an imaging procedure and confirmed with a biopsy once detected. Common tests include:

CT SCAN

Sometimes referred to as a “cat” scan, CT imaging uses x-rays to create very detailed black and white images of your insides. Oftentimes it is necessary to inject contrast dye into your veins during a CT scan to better visualize tumors.

ULTRASOUND

Using sound waves, ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless way to detect liver tumors. The procedure is typically performed by an ultrasound technician after application of ultrasound “gel” on your skin.

MRI

after being placed in a tube, a magnetic field is applied which can then be used to visualize your liver. Oftentimes it is necessary to inject contrast dye into your veins during a MRI to better visualize tumors. If you are claustrophobic or have metal implants, pacemakers, or shrapnel, please alert your care team prior to undergoing an MRI.

PET Scan

Because tumors are typically metabolically active, a special type of sugar is injected into your veins a few hours prior to the scan. Those areas of your body which use a lot of sugar (like tumors) will light up on the scan. It is important to not eat or drink anything before the scan for most accurate results.

Biopsy

After a tumor is identified, frequently a biopsy must be performed to confirm the presence of a cancer. A biopsy is a procedure where a needle is passed through your skin and a small piece of the tumor is removed for analysis. Biopsies usually require the assistance of ultrasound or CT scan to precisely guide the needle into the tumor. The majority of biopsies are outpatient procedures and patients can go home the same day!

How are liver tumors treated?

Once a liver tumor is diagnosed, the next step involves a treatment plan after discussion of your case in a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board . Safe and effective treatment of liver tumors depends on the type of tumor, its location, your general liver health, and other underlying medical problems you may have.

Observation

If tumors are thought to be benign on imaging or atypical for cancer, sometimes your doctor may want to recommend close follow-up with repeat imaging or laboratory tests to make sure the tumor doesn’t grow or warrant treatment.

Surgery

The goal of liver surgery  is to either remove the tumor completely. Surgery can be performed using an abdominal surgical incision (“open surgery”), laparoscopic “keyhole” surgery, or with the assistance of a robot.

Transplant

Depending on the type of tumor you have and size, sometimes liver transplant is the best option for long-term cure.

Ablation

Liver ablation is a procedure which can be performed through your skin (percutaneously) or surgically via laparoscopic (“keyhole”) or open surgery. The goal of ablation is to destroy tumors with energy.

Embolization

Most tumors have a dominant blood vessel which feeds it with nutrients. The goal of embolization is to block that vessel and prevent the tumor from receiving nutrients and oxygen. Sometimes at the same time, chemicals like chemotherapy or radiation are directed to the tumor as well to help destroy it. Access to the blood vessel is usually gained through an artery in your groin or leg.

Chemotherapy

For tumors that are advanced beyond the point of surgery, ablation, or embolization, sometimes chemotherapy is best option. Chemotherapy can be delivered through a pill form or intravenously depending on the tumor type. For some patients, chemotherapy may be offered before or after surgery, ablation or embolization to help control the tumor.

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