Liver Transplant Clinic

The Liver Transplant Clinic operates under the Center of Excellence for Liver Diseases, which brings together under one roof comprehensive treatment, day hospitalization, innovative medical equipment, and a service laboratory that allows us to provide efficient, high-quality, and swift service for the benefit of our patients. Our team of clinicians and surgeons, who have a wealth of experience in transplant medicine, provides each patient with personalized care and attentive service to every patient. Additionally, the wait time for an appointment is minimal, typically between 7 to 10 days!

Pre-transplantation clinic and preparation of patients for liver transplantation

People from all over the country visit the Sheba Liver Center when they're facing chronic liver disease – be it from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, liver damage due to drugs or alcohol, autoimmune and cholestatic liver disease, or primary liver cancer. When their condition advances to liver failure and no other treatments are available, we're here to help with the option of a transplant.

Patients are assessed to see if they need a liver transplant and if they're a good fit for the procedure, which could involve a donation from a living-donor or deceased donor. The goal to help extend their lives and boost their quality of life.

A coordinating nurse oversees the preparation for a liver transplant, which includes blood tests and numerous general tests aimed at checking the patient's readiness for undergoing a transplant. These tests include determining blood type and thorough examinations of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and digestive system. Additionally, there is a gynaecological assessment and consultation with a social worker. In addition, the transplant candidate undergoes counseling with a dietitian. Throughout the entire process, the patient and their family are supported with detailed guidance and close psychological care.

Once the patient passes the evaluation and is deemed eligible for transplantation, their medical file is sent off to the National Council for Transplantation. They are then registered on the national list as a candidate for transplantation.

The transplant clinic team offers professional, quick, and efficient service with 24/7 close supervision.

Follow-up after transplantation

After the transplant, you'll receive follow-up care at the liver centre by a multidisciplinary team which includes first-rate transplant medicine specialists (both clinicians and surgeons), a dietician, a psychologist, a sports medicine expert, and a social worker. Their goal is to help extend both the life of the transplant recipient and the transplant and improve quality of life.

The follow-up care includes blood tests to evaluate function of the transplant and to manage drug levels to prevent rejection, liver biopsy (as needed), imaging of the transplant, diagnosis and treatment of any common post-transplant complications such as acute rejection or viral infections (like CMV), complications resulting from immunosuppressants taken post-transplant, complications related to strictures in the connecting bile ducts and blood vessels.

Additionally, we keep a close eye on metabolic issues often seen in transplant recipients, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood lipids. After a transplant, we also carry out screening tests for malignancies, dermatological examinations, and treatment for recurring diseases if they arise.

The team accompanies liver transplant recipients with professionalism and dedication 24/7.