Liver Transplant Patient Evaluations at UH

When a patient is referred to University Hospitals Transplant Institute, an intake coordinator conducts a phone interview with the patient to obtain demographic, insurance, and medical information. Once this interview is complete, the patient is scheduled to see a transplant hepatologist, surgeon, and social worker. During this visit, a review of the patient’s past medical/surgical history, medication history, and lifestyle habits will be reviewed. The transplant team then determines whether the patient can move forward with his/her evaluation.

Transplant Education Class

If the patient moves forward with their evaluation, the patient will be scheduled for a mandatory education class. The following information will be explained to the individuals:

• Patient selection criteria
• Necessary medical tests
• The liver transplant waiting list
• Information about the procedure itself
• What to expect during recovery
• The importance of anti-rejection drugs to prevent complications
• Post-transplant follow up care at UH

Evaluation and Tests

At the Liver Transplant Program, an extensive evaluation is performed before the patient is added to the transplant waiting list. Common tests we use include:

• Blood tests
• Diagnostic tests
  • Mammograms and PAP Smears for females
  • Computed tomography (CAT) scan
  • Ultrasound
• PPD (TB skin test)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Chest x-ray
• Colonoscopy for patients over age 50
• Dental exam

Communication with Referring Physicians

The referring physician’s perceptions about the patient are important in assessing the patient’s ability to successfully recover from a liver transplant. The transplant team maintains close communication with the patient’s primary physician before, during and after the liver transplant. The transplant physician and referring physician may also collaborate to provide follow-up care throughout the patient’s life.