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Penn Transplant Institute

Liver

• About Our Program
• About Our Team
• Liver Transplant Process
  • Transplant Evaluation
  • Before Transplant
  • Transplant Procedure
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• Living Donor Transplant
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FAQs About Liver Transplant

How successful is liver transplantation?

Liver transplantation at Penn is very successful. Of 100 people transplanted, more than 90 are doing well at one year and nearly 70 percent survive five years. Most people are able to return to their daily routines three months after the transplant — and many of them even earlier. Success depends on a number of variables, including health status at the time of transplant, age, incidence of postoperative infection and recurrent disease.

How long will I have to wait for my liver?

The waiting time for an organ has increased dramatically as the demand for livers far outweighs the supply. Because of the high risk of death for patients with end-stage liver disease while waiting on the list, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has developed a scoring system based on several factors, including blood type, the number of other patients listed within the local area, the severity of liver disease of the other patients listed in the local area and the number of organs available in the local area or region.

Can I travel while I am on the transplant waiting list?

Many patients can travel safely. However, we advise you to ask your doctor and inform the transplant coordinator of your destination, contact address and phone numbers before you leave. We don’t want you to miss an opportunity!

For more information, please view our patient guide.