PODCAST: Liver Transplant Evaluation
In this podcast, Dr. Joe Galati discusses the liver transplant evaluation process that is used at The Methodist Hospital Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation. Individuals with end-stage liver disease, who have experienced various complication of cirrhosis, are considered for transplantation. Diseases that lead to cirrhosis include the following: chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver, autoimmune disorders, and other genetic disorders of the liver. The evaluation process usually takes place as an out-patient, where you are seen by one of our liver transplant surgeons, as well as specialized nurse coordinators, social worker, dietitian, financial counselors, and other medical specialists such as cardiology, psychiatry, and lung specialists as needed. Once evaluated and approved, patients are listed for transplant. Priority for transplant is based on the MELD score. The higher the MELD score, the …