What is rejection?
Rejection is the body’s natural reaction to a foreign object. When a new liver is transplanted, your body may see it as a threat and cause your immune system to produce antibodies to try to attack the new organ.
To prevent rejection, you will be prescribed immunosuppressant medications. You will need to take these consistently, for the rest of your life to promote long-term health.
If you do experience rejection, our team will treat it as soon as possible. It is important to take all medications as recommended by your care team and meet with your doctors consistently to monitor for signs of rejection.
What are the major risks in liver transplantation?
All major surgeries, including liver transplantation, include risks for bleeding, poor function of the transplanted liver, bile leaks and infection. At Weill Cornell Medicine, our expert care team is highly trained to monitor for early signs of these risks to promote a faster recovery.
For liver transplantation, there is a risk that your body may reject the transplanted liver. You will be monitored closely for signs of rejection. You will also take medications to lessen the likelihood of this rejection. Over time, rejection becomes less common.
How successful is liver transplantation?
At Weill Cornell Medicine, the liver transplant success rates are very high. In many cases, our program ranks the best in the region. Many of our patients go on to lead full, vibrant and long lives after their transplant surgeries.
As a patient, you can directly improve your chance of long-term success by carefully taking the medications you have been prescribed, as well as consistently following your care team’s recommendations for diet, exercise and avoiding infection. Also, be sure to visit your care team frequently to monitor your health and well-being.
Can I travel while on the liver transplant waiting list?
Your doctor and transplant coordinator are available to answer your questions at any time. Many patients can travel safely while waiting for a liver transplant. Be sure to discuss the details of your travel with your care team to help you determine if traveling is the best choice for you. When you travel, give your destination address and phone number to your care team in case they need to contact you for a liver transplant.
What is the evaluation process?
To join a waiting list, you must first be evaluated and approved by a liver transplant team. You may undergo tests, such as a blood test or an MRI of the abdomen. Your doctor will discuss the evaluation process with you at length
What is a MELD score?
The MELD score is based on numbers determined from a blood test, including creatinine (kidney function), bilirubin (liver function), sodium and INR (which stands for “internalized normalized ratio” and indicates the time that the blood takes to clot or become a certain consistency). Your score will be updated periodically while you are on the waiting list.
Learn more about the MELD score and see a MELD score calculator.
How does the waiting list for a liver transplant work?
Once patients are approved by our care team, you will meet with our financial coordinator. Next, you will be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list.
The UNOS is a federally authorized organization that maintains a database for all organ transplant recipients in the United States. The waiting list is determined by medical urgency or need, which is based on your Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.
Your care team will discuss the waiting list process in detail with you. In addition, you will receive continuous support from a dedicated nurse waiting list coordinator.
How long is the wait for a liver transplant?
The waiting time for any organ, including a liver, depends on the current supply and demand. At Weill Cornell Medicine, we are proud to offer one of the shortest wait times in the region and country.
Insurances Accepted
For relevant information regarding accepted insurances, please contact this provider directly.
About Danielle Brandman, M.D.
External Relationships
Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.
No External Relationships Reported
October Is National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month. ADHD is a medical condition that affects how the brain works. It can take many forms, in that people with ADHD may be challenged with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
