Therefore, your immune system must be controlled with immunosuppressive medications. You probably will have to take one or more of these drugs for the rest of your life, in addition to other medications. The liver is the largest organ in the body. The liver performs more than functions each day to keep the body healthy.
Some of its major jobs include:. The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile also aids in the absorption of substances such as vitamins A, D, E, and K and medication that patients take as an immunosuppressive agent following liver transplantation. The bile is stored in the gallbladder located just below the liver and then released into the intestines as needed.
Together, these organs process the nutrients found in the foods we eat. Liver disease can originate from viruses, alcohol or bile duct dysfunction. The symptoms of liver disease include:. It is important to discuss any symptoms with your physician and ensure that a proper diagnosis is made before determining the proper treatment of liver disease including transplantation.
Ultrasound with Doppler examination — determines the openness of the bile ducts and major vessels. It is commonly done in all liver transplant recipients before and after transplantation. Total-body bone scan — ensures that if the patient has a liver tumor, the tumor has not spread to his or her bones. In addition, blood tests for certain infectious diseases will be performed.
Lower GI series — ensures that the patient is free of intestinal abnormalities. Kidney function studies — urine may be collected from the patient for 24 hours in order to determine if the kidneys are working correctly. Clinical trial participation provides invaluable information for future treatments and possibly a cure in the future.
Contact us so we can help you determine whether pre-authorization or special testing is required in advance of your visit. You should check to make sure whether or not you are responsible for any co-payments. Please bring your insurance card with you to all your appointments. USC Care Inc. All participants in closed panel or restricted-access HMO plans must have secured an out-of-plan referral to Keck Medical Center of USC, or else you may provide cash or credit card payment at the time of your visit.
Each skilled health care professional who makes up the transplant team takes a personal interest in answering your questions and taking care of your medical needs. Your physical, emotional and practical needs will help the team shape a personalized pre-transplant and post-transplant treatment program.
The transplant surgeon performs the actual transplantation procedure and monitors medication before, during and after surgery. He or she will also check your medication needs and periodically check the incision to make sure it is healing properly.
A transplant physician hematologist monitors all non-surgical aspects of patient care for liver transplants. You will see this doctor often. The transplant physician performs examinations, checks test results and adjusts medication as needed. The transplant coordinator , usually a registered nurse, will have two key responsibilities:.
Nurse practitioners are responsible for monitoring your daily status and care and will meet with you regularly during your clinic visits. They will provide patient and family education, including teaching you how to check your vital signs and identify any signs of infection.
They will help you learn how and when to take your new transplant medications. They play an important role in alerting the team to any potential problems.
The floor or staff nurse will help coordinate activities with your other caregivers, as well as tending to your needs during your hospital stay and preparing you for discharge.
A physical therapist will set your exercise limits after surgery and will advise when it is safe to increase activity. Exercise will improve your circulation, make you feel stronger, help avoid excessive weight gain and increase your sense of well-being.
Ask your therapist to help devise an exercise plan that will be beneficial. Follow the diet plan prepared specifically for you.
Proper nutrition can speed recovery and help a patient stay healthy. You and your family members may find it helpful to talk about your feelings with a professional before and after surgery. Frank discussion may help you cope with the transplant experience and with the changes it will make in your life.
The social worker will link you to services and people in the community who can help with recovery after leaving the hospital. Postdoctoral Programs. Undergraduate Programs. About Our Research. Research Resources. Webcast Archives. Department of Anesthesiology. Department of Emergency Medicine. Department of Neurological Surgery.
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We also work closely with surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists to provide comprehensive care for complex diseases. We also work closely with our renowned surgical colleagues to provide comprehensive care of esophageal disease. The Gastrointestinal Motility program consists of physicians with special training and interest in diseases of gastrointestinal motility, including gastroparesis, achalasia, constipation and fecal incontinence.
Our team of experts includes gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, radiologists, and immunologists. Our expert team consists of gastroenterologists, oncologists, and genetic counselors.
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