These are people who have died, and through the generosity of their family members, their organs are donated When such a donor is identified, transplant centers are contacted by a computer network and arrangements are made to retrieve whatever organs may be donated. Frequently this involves a team from a transplant center flying to the donor hospital to remove the organs, and then returning with them for the transplant operation. Liver transplant is the most expensive organ transplant. A majority of liver transplants are paid by private funds or insurance. Currently patients are waiting an average of one year.
Some patients have a shorter wait, some longer.
National data show that women do wait longer than men for liver transplants. Children wait longer that adult patients, and some ethnic groups in the United States, including Asians and Hispanics, wait longer that Caucasians, Native Americans, or African-Americans. Research also shows that patients who need repeat transplants, either because the original transplant fails or the disease returns, receive these transplants more rapidly than first-time patients. Keep in mind that most transplants are given to critically ill patients who are in the final stages of liver disease. Therefore, the best strategy for a patient s long-term health and success is to select a liver transplant program with a strong success rate, and get the best care possible both before and after surgery.