What I need to know about Liver Transplantation Page 4 of 12

How will I know whether I need a liver transplant?

Your doctor will decide whether you need to go to a hospital that does liver transplants. You will meet the liver transplant team. The team is usually led by a liver transplant surgeon and includes liver specialists, nurses, and other health care professionals. The transplant team will arrange blood tests, x rays, and other tests to help make the decision about whether you need a transplant and whether a transplant can be carried out safely.

Other aspects of your health-like your heart, lungs, kidneys, immune system, and mental health-will also be checked to be sure you're strong enough for surgery.

Can anyone with liver problems get a transplant?

You cannot have a transplant if you have

• cancer in another part of your body
  
  
• serious heart, lung, or nerve disease
  
  
• active alcohol or illegal drug abuse
  
  
• an active, severe infection
  
  
• inability to follow your doctor's instructions

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