Some formerly alcoholic cirrhosis patients get enough liver regeneration to forego transplantation altogether. Sophisticated Test Determines Readiness for Transplant Intracranial pressure monitoring has proven successful in managing patients with fulminant hepatic failure. Data from the monitor also helps determine readiness for transplantation. Surgery is most successful in patients before they reach a grade 4 coma or develop cerebral edema, severe bleeding or infection. We prepare them for what can be significant changes.
Extensive education is required to successfully manage the many stresses.
Patients are treated for their medical cencerns, but with equal attention to emotional, work-related, social and family issues. The Hopkins team works to enchance patients' comfort and well-being during the waiting period. An outreach program is in place that enables Hopkis physicians to travel to off-site gastroenterology clinics. There they perform pretransplant evaluations and follow-up care, so patients can avoid unnecessary travel. Today many procedures that once required a hospital stay can be done in the outpatient clinic, saving patients money, time and inconvenience.