Liver transplant
Liver transplant center in Largo, Florida
When you need advanced liver care, you can count on our hospital to be there for you.
The HCA Florida Largo Hospital Transplant Center serves patients experiencing liver failure in the Largo community and beyond. With highly specialized liver transplant services and the region's only hepatologist, we’ll provide the advanced care you need.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Liver conditions we treat with a liver transplant
A liver may be damaged slowly over time (known as chronic liver disease) or rapidly, often in a matter of weeks, (known as acute liver failure). Either case may require a liver transplant. Liver failure may be caused by:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency affecting the liver
- End stages of cirrhosis
- End stages of hemochromatosis
- Fulminant hepatic failure
- Metabolic disorders
- Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Liver transplant surgery process
Our team will work with you every step of the way to make sure you receive the comprehensive transplant services you need.
Liver transplant evaluation process
We perform an evaluation process to determine if you are an eligible candidate for transplantation, according to certain medical and psychological criteria. This evaluation process includes:
- Pre-transplant education session: This mandatory session provides education about all aspects of liver transplantation and answers any questions you may have.
- Transplant hepatologist consultation: Your hepatologist will help determine if you are a likely transplant candidate.
- Transplant coordinator assignment: Your transplant coordinator will schedule and organize all testing and visits with your transplant team.
- Transplant surgeon consultation: Your surgeon walks you through the entire evaluation process. This is a discussion that requires the input and understanding of both you and your family. Your liver transplant surgeon will:
- Discuss possible risks and complications
- Describe the transplant procedure itself
- Explain how your donor organ will be found and obtained
- Describe the recovery/rehab stage and your care in the weeks and months ahead
- Anesthesia exam: Your anesthesiologist will evaluate the results of your previous heart and lung function tests and discuss any possible concerns.
- Social services consultation: Your social worker will assess your support network, living conditions and financial status to provide any additional resources.
- Nutrition assessment: We will assess your current diet and create a plan that fits your lifestyle and enhances your chances of a successful transplant outcome.
Pre-transplant tests needed for liver transplant surgery
Pre-transplant testing will likely include:
- Abdomen computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac stress test
- Complete blood work
- Echocardiogram (heart exam done by ultrasound)
- Electrocardiogram (measures your heart's electrical activity)
- Endoscopy (uses small tube with a tiny video camera to examines internal organs)
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound exam of liver and other abdominal organs and blood vessels
- Various X-rays
Liver transplant final review
A committee of all members of your care transplant team will meet to review all consultation reports and test results. Once these have been reviewed, this committee will make a final decision about your transplant surgery.
Once the review committee and your insurance company approves you for transplant surgery, you will be added to the national organ donation waiting list.
Liver transplant surgery
Liver transplant follow-up care
Your follow-up care is crucial to the success of your liver transplant. This is why our hospital offers a post-liver transplant clinic and provides your physician with regular updates and reports on your progress. We will work with you to set up clinic visits and medications during your liver transplant recovery. Our team will also talk with you about the financial responsibilities associated with the cost of follow-up care and medication.