UAMS Liver Transplant Program

After education has been completed, each patient undergoes a thorough, multidisciplinary evaluation including lab tests, imaging, consultations, and education to assess transplant suitability. You will be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C before and after transplantation per Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Policy. Our team provides clear guidance and support to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare. We will work with you to schedule your testing either at our main campus or at a location closer to your home. You will work closely with your assigned transplant coordinator who will help you navigate this process. It is important that you and your family understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of transplantation to make an informed decision concerning this process. Both you and the transplant team must agree that moving forward with transplantation is in your best interest.

• A Transplant Hepatologist (liver doctor) will meet with you during your first evaluation visit and take a detailed medical history, assess you physically, and discuss your evaluation process and testing you will need.
• A Transplant Surgeon will also meet with you during your evaluation to ensure you are a good fit for transplant from a surgical standpoint. They will assess your abdomen to see if you have any scars, masses, hernias or anything else that may cause a problem during your transplant surgery.
• A Transplant Coordinator, who is a registered nurse, will be assigned to you during your first evaluation visit. They will review your medical history and help you determine how to complete your evaluation in a timely manner. Your coordinator is your contact person within the transplant program. They oversee receiving and evaluating all your testing, labs, and studies and communicating with the other members of the team.
• A Social Worker will assess for any issues that could affect your post-transplant outcomes. They will determine if you have an appropriate caregiver, access to transportation to and from your appointments, and assess other psychosocial factors. They will be available throughout your transplant journey and are always happy to help connect you with local resources.
• A Financial Coordinator will review your health insurance and help determine what it will cover regarding your transplant surgery and post-transplant medications and care. The financial coordinator will be your contact during your transplant journey if you have any financial issues or changes in your insurance.
• A Transplant Dietitian will review your current nutritional status and make suggestions to keep you healthy before and after your transplant. If weight is an issue, they will recommend a suitable diet to help you lose weight before your transplant. If necessary, you will be referred to our Weight Loss Clinic for weight management and treatment options.
• A Pharmacist will review your current medications and provide education regarding transplant-related medications. You will learn about your transplant specific medications, the importance of taking your medications as prescribed, and the risk for medication interactions.

Following the completion of your evaluation, your case will be reviewed by the UAMS Liver Transplant Selection Committee. If you are approved for transplant, you will be placed on the deceased donor transplant waiting list.

While on the waiting list, you will be monitored regularly by the Transplant Team and are expected to attend all scheduled appointments and maintain up-to-date lab work and testing. Your coordinator will serve as your primary point of contact and will assist you in navigating each step of this process.

It is essential that you notify your coordinator promptly of any changes to your health status, family circumstances, or financial situation, as these may impact your transplant eligibility. Additionally, please ensure that your coordinator has your current contact information, including your primary and backup phone numbers, as well as your mailing address. When a donor organ becomes available, timely communication is critical.

The allocation of available livers is based on the MELD (Model of End Stage Liver Disease) score and the compatibility of the blood type. This scoring system utilizes serum sodium, bilirubin, creatinine, and INR to calculate the score by a mathematical program. The score rages from 6 to values over 40. The cap for MELD scores is 40, meaning that patients with a MELD score higher than 40 will not receive any more priority than a patient with a MELD score of 40. Patients with certain conditions will qualify for exception points, your coordinator will discuss this with you further if you qualify.

Once you have been matched with a donor liver, our experienced transplant surgeons and clinical team will guide you through the transplant procedure with skill, compassion, and commitment to safety and excellence.

Prior to your discharge from the hospital, you will receive comprehensive education on your post-transplant medications, recovery process, follow-up schedule, and other essential aspects of care. Close monitoring is critical in the early stages of recovery, and for the first month following your transplant, we strongly encourage you to remain local to facilitate frequent visits and rapid access to care if needed.

Post-Transplant care is essential to long-term success. You will be assigned a dedicated Post-Transplant Coordinator who will support you throughout your recovery. Once you have been medically cleared by our team, follow-up appointments may be scheduled at one of our UAMS satellite clinics for your convenience.