Liver transplantation

During a liver transplantation the sick liver is removed and subsequently replaced with a healthy donor liver. The LUMC is one of the three Dutch university medical centers where liver transplantations are performed.

Why you are in good hands with us?

Many specialists are involved in the transplantation. A liver transplantation team consists of gastroenterologists, transplantation surgeons, anaesthetists, nurse specialists and physician assistants.

They select the treatment that suits you best. This usually requires additional examination also referred to as screening. When the team recommends a liver transplantation and you agree, you will be put on a Eurotransplant waiting list. The doctors and nurse specialists prepare you as well as possible for the operation, together with among others a dietitian and a physiotherapist.

After the liver transplantation you stay at the LUMC for about three weeks. This may be a bit shorter or longer. After the operation you first go to Intensive Care. On average patients stay here for two days. Next you go to the transplantation department. There, the gastroenterologist deals with your anti-rejection medication, the surgeon checks the wound and infection specialists help to fight possible infections. After this most patients may go home, but sometimes a patient has to be admitted temporarily to a rehabilitation center or nursing home.

After the transplantation you are checked at our outpatient department. We make sure that the wound heals properly, that the medication is correct and we help you to get back into a good condition. If necessary we request specialist assistance. Also in the longer term we monitor your health, often together with the referring specialist.

What is the Eurotransplant waiting list?

If you decide to get a liver transplantation, you will be put on the Eurotransplant waiting list. In this organisation European countries work together. All potential recipients and donors are registered here. According to a fixed procedure, for each donor the most suitable recipient is selected. 

How is your position on the waiting list determined?

The position on the waiting list is determined on the basis of how ill you are. This means that the most seriously ill patient is at the top of the waiting list. An objective point system determines the ranking. In order to be able to calculate the points we regularly test your blood. The results of your blood test are subsequently entered in the Eurotransplant system. This keeps the waiting list up to date.