Liver Transplant Team

Anaesthetist

These doctors are responsible for putting you to sleep at the time of your transplant. You first meet them in your “assessment phase” and again just prior to surgery.

Hepatologist

Hepatologists are specialists in liver diseases. They are involved in assessing your disease pre-operatively and are responsible for your care post-operatively. They are also involved in follow-up clinic visits and evaluations.

Transplant Surgeons

These surgeons perform the transplant surgery and are responsible for you pre and post operatively. The work closely with the hepatologists in your follow-up clinics and evaluations.

Transplant Coordinator

The transplant coordinator is a nurse who arranges for lab. Work, tests, and admissions throughout the transplant process. She coordinates the activities of the team at the time of the transplant. Follow-up includes daily record keeping of lab and test results, post-operative teaching and counseling. After discharge, she arranges clinic visits and maintains your records.

Clinical Teacher

The clinical teacher provides education for the staff nurses that care for you throughout the transplant process.

Nurses

These nurses provide you with educational instruction during your assessment phase. You will meet them again after your transplant when you are moved from SICU. Their role at this time is continuing your education, post-op rehabilitation and preparing you to go home.

O.R. Nurses

The O.R. nurses are skilled in assisting during surgery. A team of nurses specializing in transplantation will meet you on arrival to the operating room.

SICU – Surgical Intensive Care Unit

You will meet these nurses in your assessment phase. They provide pre-op teaching, orientation, and will lead you on a tour of the unit. They will look after you immediately after your transplant.

Physiotherapists

The physiotherapists will be working closely with you during the transplant process. During your stay in SICU, they will assist you with deep breathing and coughing, limb exercise and ambulation. While on the transplant unit, they play an important role in furthering your activity and helping you to prepare to go home.

Social Worker

The social worker meets with you before the transplant for a psychosocial assessment as part of the overall evaluation the team conducts for acceptance to the program. She is available for additional support and counseling before and after your transplant, and aids in identifying community aids and services available for you.

Clinical Dietician

The clinical dietician also meets you during the assessment phase. An ongoing evaluation of your nutritional status and needs is done throughout the transplant process. A nutrition care plan will be developed and re-evaluated as necessary.

Pharmacists

You first meet one of the pharmacists associated with the programme in the assessment phase. They will introduce you to medications you will be taking after transplantation and can answer questions about any medications you are taking prior. Follow-up visits on the transplant unit include teaching you about the “Self Medication Program” and reinforcement of immunosuppressive therapy.