Liver Transplant
If you’re diagnosed with liver failure, a successful liver transplant at Avera Transplant Institute could save your life.
Evaluation Process
After your doctor refers you to the Avera Transplant Institute, you’ll go through an evaluation to determine if you qualify. The process reviews your:
- Medical history
- Current health
- Blood, urine and imaging test results
- Heart, lung and kidney function
- Ability to follow medical instructions
- Psychological health
- Support system
Organ Wait List
If the transplant team determines you’re eligible, your name will be placed on a nationwide waiting list through United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to receive an organ from a deceased donor. Your wait time depends, in part, on how urgently you need a donated liver.
When a liver that’s compatible with your blood type and body size becomes available, the transplant team will determine whether the organ is likely to work well for you.
Liver Transplant Surgery
Liver transplantation takes up to 12 hours. A surgeon will make an incision in your upper abdomen, remove your existing liver, and then attach the donated liver to your blood vessels and bile duct.
Expect to stay in the hospital for one to two weeks while you recover.
Follow-Up Care
Following transplant, you’ll take medications, make some lifestyle changes and get lab tests regularly to prevent infection and organ rejection. Get information you need to plan for lodging and expenses during follow-up care in Sioux Falls.
