For Patients and Visitors
For Medical Professionals
Liver Transplantation

Over 4,000 liver transplants a year are performed in the U.S. About sixty to seventy percent of liver transplant patients are alive and well after five years. While there are some side effects from medications taken to suppress the immune system (so the transplanted liver will not be rejected) most patients lead full, productive lives. In fact, many even have children. The use of new anti-rejection drugs and other medications are constantly improving the results of liver transplantation.

Donor Livers and Matching

Livers are donated from people who have recently died. In some cases, an individual decides prior to his/her death to donate the organs. In other cases, the individual's family consents to the donation. Obtaining the donated liver is the responsibility of one of several organ procurement organizations (OPO) around the country. The OPO for Penn State Hershey Medical Center is the Gift of Life Donor Program. The Network will search for the best match for you based upon factors such as blood type and organ size.

Reasons and Risks

Transplantation is performed for acute fulminant liver failure or progressive chronic liver disease that is not responsive to any other medical or surgical treatment. It is assumed that without transplantation, your liver disease will ultimately be fatal and that the risk of death from the transplant operation, which is very low, is less than that of the disease itself. In selecting you for liver transplantation, it is believed that your life expectancy will be prolonged and that there is a good likelihood that you will be able to resume a productive life.

You and your family must understand the procedure and make a commitment to follow a lifelong, disciplined medical program to prevent injury or rejection of the new liver. This requires you to take prescribed medication and maintain close contact with your family doctor, hepatologist, and transplant surgeon.

For more information on Liver transplantation:

Call toll free 800-525-5395 or call 717-531-6092

 

 Physicians

Manager

  • Gail Frankle, RN, MEd, CPTC

 Coordinators

  • Jennifer Segessenman, RN, BSN, CCRN, CCTC
  • Meg Rogers, RN, BSN
  • Allison Altland, RN

Financial Counselor

  • Faith Baker

Staff Assistants

  • Carol Hershey
  • Martha Kleinfelter

 
Social Workers

  • Velma Carter-Dryer, MSW, ACSW
  • Hilary Hoover
  • Cynthia T. Royer, MS, BS

 Pharmacist

  • Tracy M. Valania, Pharm. D.

Nutritionist

  • Karen E. Smith, RD, CDE

 

To do

Living Donor

 

 

Program Highlights

There are many practical things that you need to consider when you are deciding whether you want to have a liver transplant. Patients and families who have gone through the liver transplant process have provided the following information. This is some of the very practical information that they thought was important for others, who want a liver transplant, to know.

Reliable transportation is a necessity before and after your liver transplant. You need to have a plan for how you will get to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at any time day or night, when you are called for a liver transplant. After your transplant you will not be able to drive for approximately 2 weeks. You need to identify family/friends who will be able to transport you home from the hospital, to follow - up appointments, to get your labs drawn and/or run errands.

After your liver transplant you will come to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for a liver clinic appointment. Clinic appointments are on Monday and Thursday mornings. You may not be able to drive so it is important that you make transportation arrangements ahead of time.

Have you arranged for someone to come in and care for your children and/or pets?

Medications after a liver transplant can cost between $2,000-$2,500 a month for the rest of your life. It is very important to know what your prescription coverage is. You should be prepared to pay the co-pays for your medications. Depending on your prescription co-pay you may still have large out of pocket expenses. You will need to develop a plan for paying for your medications.

Plan ahead for your homecoming! You will need to have another person with you for approximately 1 week after your discharge from the hospital. You may need assistance with: meal preparations, laundry, groceries, house cleaning, grass mowing, snow shoveling, picking up medications and/or transportation.

While you are hospitalized you may have some hidden out-of-pocket expenses:

  • You should have a telephone calling card/credit card available so you can make long distance phone calls. Calling cards are available here at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center from vending machines.
  • There is no lodging available at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Hotels/Motels can be expensive here in Hershey. This is especially true during peak tourist season.
  • If you have a child who is receiving a liver transplant, lodging is available at the Ronald McDonald House. The phone number is 717-533-4001. A reservation is required in advance.
  • Be prepared to have money on hand for spouses/significant others to pay for meals. Food is Is available in the hospital cafeteria. It can be costly to eat frequently in the cafeteria. There are fast food restaurants, diners, restaurants and grocery stores located near Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
  • You and your family members may need to make frequent trips to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. You should consider the cost of gasoline and the wear and tear on your vehicle in your plans for a liver transplant. As well as the possible loss of income due to lost work time.
  • Plan ahead for the possible loss of income due to lost work time. Check your loan and credit card companies to see if you have a disability waiver for your premiums.
  • You will need to get a blood pressure monitor, thermometer, bathroom scale and EXTRA LARGE pill case. Some of these items may not be covered by your insurance.

You will need to have your medications brought to the hospital prior to your being discharged. It is important that you make arrangements with your spouse/family and/or friends to pick up your medications. Plan ahead for how they are to pay for the medications.

PLEASE NOTIFY THE LIVER TRANSPLANT PROGRAM OF ANY MEDICAL OR PRESCRIPTION INSURANCE CHANGES!  Please copy and send your new insurance cards to the liver transplant office.

The drugs which are necessary for keeping you and your new liver healthy will cost approximately $2,000-$2,500 a month. If you do not have a prescription plan, or are eligible for any of the programs listed above, you may want to explore fund raising as a means of helping you afford your medications. The following are programs, which assist transplant patients in fund raising:

 

  • American Liver Foundation 800-465-4837
  • National Foundation for Transplants 800-489-3863

 

This document prepared by Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Transplant Social Workers serves as a tool for transplant patients. If you wish to have additional copies please contact:

  • Gail L. Flannery, LSW - 717-531-3985