At this point, the candidate has had all the necessary diagnostic tests, including a complete physical examination, laboratory work and X-rays. A group of specialists in hepatology, infectious disease, anesthesiology, social services, along with the transplant surgeons, meet to review a patient's candidacy for transplant. This process is known as the selection conference. The group determines whether a candidate is suitable for a transplant. Physicians will have discussed the long-term implications of liver transplantation with the patient and their family.
Transplantation requires a life-long commitment by the patient and family.
This commitment includes taking medications each day, visiting a physician regularly, eating a proper diet, maintaining an exercise program and avoiding infections. Even though the patient is on the waiting list for transplantation, the disease process continues and must be dealt with every day. A waiting period of anywhere from a few days to several months can be expected. Throughout the waiting period, checkups at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville will be scheduled. Hepatologists order laboratory tests and cultures at these check-ups and may adjust medications.