Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is a life-preserving operation that replaces a diseased and poorly-functioning liver with either a whole or portion of a healthy donated liver.

Why are liver transplants done?

Liver transplantation has become a well-recognized treatment option for people with end-stage liver organ failure.

In BC, liver transplants come from deceased donors and living donors (for adult recipients). A deceased donor is someone who has chosen to donate his or her organs upon death. A living liver donor is a healthy individual who donates a portion of their liver to a person with end-stage liver disease.

Liver transplantation is excellent therapy for patients with end-stage liver failure; however, a transplant may not be suitable for everyone.

Step 1: Pre-assessment

Every potential liver transplant patient must be carefully assessed. The assessment phase starts when your specialist refers you to the Liver Transplant Program at Vancouver General Hospital.

Step 2: Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a liver transplant, you must be a BC resident with a Personal Care Card Number and be referred by your specialist to the Liver Transplant Program at Vancouver General Hospital, in Vancouver. If you have a history of addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, you must also attend alcohol and drug relapse prevention counselling.

A comprehensive profile of your personal, medical and family history will be compiled through the assessment process. You’ll be interviewed by various team members to determine whether transplantation is the best treatment option. You’ll also receive information that will help you decide whether you want to go ahead with the transplant.

The routine assessment includes consultation with the members of the transplant team comprised of a Hepatologist, Transplant Surgeon, Clinical Coordinator, Social worker, Dietitian and Psychologist. If required, appointments will also be arranged with specialists from other disciplines.

Step 3: Transplant and post-op care

Following surgery, you’ll be closely monitored for infection and rejection of your new liver. You’ll also be required to take various medications following your transplant as a preventative measure against commonly occurring infections and rejection. These medications are covered by BC Transplant with your valid BC Care Card Number.

For more information on managing your care, please visit our Medications page.

Resources

Liver transplant referral form (PDF)
Risk of disease transmission from organ donors (guide)

Accepting an organ from a donor with Hepatitis C infection - Patient information (PDF)

More information?

If you have questions about the liver transplant process, please contact the Liver Transplant Program directly.

Provincial Health Services Authority

Liver Transplant

Why are liver transplants done?

Step 1: Pre-assessment

Step 2: Eligibility

Step 3: Transplant and post-op care

Resources

More information?

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