State-of-the-Art Care

Patients in the Hahnemann University Hospital Liver Transplant Program receive advanced care from a highly-respected team of specialists offering these advantages:

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved and certified
• An experienced team devoted solely to the care of the transplant patient.
• Expertise with high risk transplant recipients.
• Routine use of the most modern therapies for preventing rejection. 
• Immunosuppressive drugs tailored to the individual recipient to best avoid adverse effects.
• Appointment within two weeks of patient’s initial contact with the transplant program.    

Improving the Quality of Life  

A successful liver transplant can offer patients with liver disease a return to a full and active lifestyle for many years to come.  Usually, they will be free of the weakness, fatigue, confusion and lack of appetite that plagued them prior to the transplant.  

The transplant team at Hahnemann University Hospital is committed to providing the benefits of liver transplantation to all appropriate patients interested in exploring this option. Our goal is to assist patients through the evaluation process, get them placed on the national waitlist and then complete transplantation in the shortest possible time with the best possible outcome.

Many women who undergo liver transplantation can conceive and give birth normally. It’s important to discuss the risks, such as possible effects of immunosupressant drugs, with a physician before conceiving. Careful monitoring is required throughout the pregnancy because of a higher incidence of premature births.  

We take pride in the excellent service we provide.  We will communicate directly with you and you will be able to get a human voice when calling our center.  There is always a member of the transplant team on-call for after hour concerns.

Most importantly, you will be coming to a transplant center that excels in the field of transplantation.      

Scheduling an Appointment  

To start the process for getting a liver transplant, you will need to schedule an appointment for evaluation by the Hahnemann Liver Transplant Team.   

Call the Division of Transplantation at Hahnemann University Hospital.
Phone:   215-762-3900  

Appointments are usually made WITHIN TWO WEEKS of your initial phone call or contact with the Hahnemann Liver Transplant Program. In critical situations, appointments may be made within 24 hours of contacting the Hahnemann Liver Transplant Program.    

Who is a candidate for a liver transplant?  

Liver transplants are considered only when there is a high risk of liver disease. Two main groups of patients are considered candidates for liver transplantation. The first group involves patients with cirrhosis who develop liver failure. Cirrhosis due to hepatitis C is currently the number one cause for liver transplantation in the western world.  The second group includes patients who suddenly develop acute liver failure from one of a number of causes such as an overdose of acetaminophen, acute viral hepatitis, acute autoimmune hepatitis or an idiosyncratic drug reaction.   

The Evaluation Process

Once the suitability for transplant is determined, the initial visit to the transplant center consists of meeting with the transplant surgeon, hepatologist, nurse coordinators, social workers and financial consultants. Patients undergo an extensive medical evaluation which involves the following exams and tests:  

• Chest x-ray Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). Shows how well the heart is functioning as well as any heart damage.
• Echocardiogram. An ultrasound of the heart for assessment of cardiac valve areas and functions.
• Stress test.  Evaluates the flow of blood to the heart to determine the presence of heart disease.
• Ultrasound with Doppler examination.  Determines the openness of the bile ducts and major vessels.
• CT (CAT) scan – Computerized image that shows the size and shape of the patient’s liver and major blood vessels.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – May be used in place of CT scan or ultrasound.
• Total body bone scan – If the patient has a malignant liver tumor, the scan determines whether or not it has not spread to the bones.
• Blood tests.  Includes testing for blood count, blood and tissue type, blood chemistries, immune system function and certain infectious diseases.
• Blood typing.  Every person is a blood type A, B, AB or O.  The donor’s blood type does not have to be identical to the recipient’s, but it must be compatible. 
• Pulmonary (Lung) Function Test

Many of the required medical tests may be performed locally, if desired, in collaboration with the patient’s primary care physician. We encourage the required medical tests to be completed at Hahnemann.  Our goal is to complete the entire evaluation process and have the patient listed for transplantation within one month.  

When a Liver Becomes Available  

In most cases, blood type determines the compatibility for liver transplants. Surgeons must closely match the blood type and size of the donor liver to the recipient.  

Preparing for Surgery  

Before surgery, all blood work is drawn for the recipient. An intravenous line will be inserted in the arm or just under the collarbone to give medication and prevent dehydration.  The patient will also receive a sedative to help him or her relax before going to the operating room.

To learn more about liver transplant surgery, click here.