The Liver Transplant Waiting List

** Based on 2010 SRTR data. Information available http://www.srtr.org/csr/current/Centers/Default.aspx..

Candidacy for liver transplantation will be reviewed by your transplant surgeons, hepatologist, and social services representative. If accepted, your name will be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list along with your MELD score. MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease; scores range from 6 to 40. It's a prioritizing tool that ranks each transplant candidate's need, urgency and prospect for successful outcome. The higher the number, the more severe your condition. Various test results are used to weigh the risks and probabilities. Patients who land on the higher side of the range are usually offered donor livers first.

Time spent on the waiting list might be very short (a few weeks), or quite lengthy (many months). During that time, the underlying condition that led to your need for a transplant will persist and progress. It's very important that you do everything possible to maintain your health and strength. During the waiting period, your transplant coordinator will be the point-person for all of your health matters. Your MELD score will be periodically reassessed during regular check-ups. Should your condition deteriorate too far, you may be deemed no longer eligible for a transplant

How long?
It might be days or it could be months. Know that those awaiting transplant outnumber the available donor organs. As you wait, your doctor and transplant hepatologist will continue to treat your condition, making you as comfortable as possible. If your condition declines, your MELD score will be updated.