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Q:Question: What is a liver transplant evaluation?
A:Answer:At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we have established a comprehensive process to determine the best candidates for liver transplants. We offer new approaches to transplantation for liver diseases from both living and deceased donors not offered by many centers.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you are considering a liver transplant at UChicago Medicine, you will meet with our transplant team and have tests to see if you are healthy enough for surgery. You will also learn more about getting a liver transplant from our transplant team.
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Q:Question: What tests do I need for a liver transplant?
A:Answer:These are some of the tests that are part of your evaluation:
- Blood work to help determine the cause of your liver disease, screen for other diseases and help with organ matching
- A chest X-ray to check the health of your lungs or heart
- An electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a stress test, which can help physicians determine if you are healthy enough for transplant surgery
- Pulmonary function tests to check your lungs
- A computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check your liver for high blood pressure, tumors and issues that can affect blood flow to your liver
- A liver biopsy, an outpatient procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue for examination
- Cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, based on your age and gender
- A dental exam to check the health of your teeth and gums
- Drug testing to ensure that you are following the alcohol and substance abuse policy
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerTo be considered for a liver transplant at UChicago Medicine, it is imperative to keep your testing appointments and follow the guidelines outlined by your team.
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Q:Question: If I have kidney failure, at what point should I be evaluated for a transplant?
A:Answer:If you have kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal failure (ESRD), your kidneys can no longer function on their own. You'll need dialysis or a transplant, and our team can help you understand your options.
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Q:Question: If I have liver failure, at what point should I be evaluated for transplant?
A:Answer:If you have liver disease or failure, also known as end-stage liver disease, you may be a candidate for liver transplant. Patients with certain unresectable liver cancers are also considered for novel therapies that include transplantation. Our team will work with you to determine the best approach based on your condition.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerSee a map of UChicago Medicine’s liver transplant evaluation locations in Chicagoland.
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Q:Question: What is involved in a liver transplant evaluation?
A:Answer:As part of your evaluation, you will meet with several members of our liver transplant team. These meetings may be virtual or in person. Members of our transplant team are also multilingual, and we can provide interpreters for most languages. Following are some of the team members you will likely meet:
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- A nurse coordinator, who will provide education and help you move through the evaluation process
- A transplant surgeon, who will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you and evaluate your health to determine if you are a good transplant candidate
- A transplant hepatologist, a physician who specializes in liver disease and the management of liver transplant patients
- A social worker, who will evaluate how well you may handle the stress of a transplant and manage your care plan, before and after surgery
- A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, who may evaluate your mental health and suggest rehabilitation programs for drug or alcohol abuse, if needed
- A dietitian, who will assess your diet and provide education before and after transplant to improve your chances of a successful transplant
- A pharmacist, who will work with you and the transplant team to find the best medicines to prevent organ rejection and minimize side effects
- A financial coordinator, who will discuss the costs of your transplant and help you understand what your insurance covers
- An interpreter, who can help you communicate with your transplant team, if needed
Depending on your health and insurance requirements, you may meet with other specialists during your evaluation. This can help improve the success of the transplant.
The evaluation process begins with a class on liver transplants taught by a nurse coordinator. You can attend this class in person or virtually. We also offer transplant education in Spanish, and we can provide interpreters for most languages.
The next part of your evaluation includes testing and meeting with the transplant team in person.
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Q:Question: Why should I be evaluated for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth?
A:Answer:Getting evaluated for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is the first step toward regaining control of your life.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOur team can determine if you are a candidate for a living donor transplant, which provides more options for you and lasts longer, on average, than kidneys from deceased donors.
If you have a living donor who is not compatible, paired kidney exchange (PKE) or kidney-paired donation (KPD) might be an option. If accepted into these programs, your wait time for a transplant might be shorter, which means less time on dialysis. You may even be able to receive a kidney transplant before you begin dialysis.
Seeking a transplant is a major life event, and we know you have questions. We’re here to support you through the entire process, from kidney transplant evaluation to post-op life.
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Q:Question: Why should I be evaluated for a liver transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth?
A:Answer:We provide lifesaving transplants to patients with all types of liver disease. This includes those who are very ill and those who are not considered candidates at other hospitals. We offer many new and innovative approaches for patients with diseases related to cancers, alcohol use or multiple organ failure. We also consider transplantation for patients early in the disease process to prevent significant disability or medical complications.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerAccording to their reports, UChicago Medicine's liver team transplants patients at a faster rate and with better waitlist survival rates than almost any other program in the country.
Our team can determine if you are a candidate for a living donor transplant, which gives you more options for donor organs. Living donor liver transplantation offers numerous benefits, including the best outcomes and shorter waitlist time. We can also determine if there are any other treatments that may help you if a transplant is not the best option.
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Q:Question: How do I find out if I am a candidate for a kidney transplant?
A:Answer:Our transplant team will meet and discuss your case to decide if you are a candidate for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine. You will receive a phone call and a letter from your nurse with the decision.
If you are a candidate, our team will place you on the organ waiting list or work with you to schedule your surgery if a living donor is available. The team will also notify you if they need more information to make a decision.
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Q:Question: Can I be evaluated for a kidney transplant at multiple centers?
A:Answer:If you've been told that you are not a candidate for a kidney transplant from either a living or deceased donor, we encourage you to seek another opinion with us. Our program offers new approaches toward complicated cases that other centers have declined, and we can review your case to determine your eligibility. Patients with living donors have a good chance of being accepted for full re-evaluation. You may be able to share records and results from recent tests (no older than six to 12 months) to avoid duplication, although multiple evaluations can be time-consuming and lead to out-of-pocket costs.
Candidates who are not suitable for transplant at our center are likewise able to seek out opinions from other centers.
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Q:Question: What testing do I need for a kidney transplant?
A:Answer:Some of the tests you will have at UChicago Medicine include:
- An electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a stress test to check your heart health
- Blood work for organ matching and to screen for viruses and other conditions
- Chest X-ray to identify any issues with your lungs or heart
- Cancer screenings based on your age and gender
These tests take time, and you may need additional tests depending on your condition. The evaluation process usually takes a few weeks to just over a month. You must keep your appointments to be considered for a transplant at UChicago Medicine.