Liver Transplantation in Denver, Colorado Springs, & Lone Tree, CO

Name: Liver Transplantation
Brand: Peak Gastroenterology Associates

If your liver is severely damaged, a transplant may be the best way to restore your quality of life -- or even save your life. Our experienced gastroenterologists at Peak Gastroenterology Associates can help if you require liver transplantation. They have the necessary expertise to ensure a successful liver transplant. If you have experienced liver disease or liver failure, schedule an appointment with Peak Gastroenterology Associates over the phone or request an appointment online today at one of our Denver, Colorado Springs, or Lone Tree, CO, clinics.

Liver Transplant Overview

What Is Liver Transplantation?

The liver is a large organ in your body that stores energy, helps digest food, and removes toxins from the body. If your liver fails and other treatments haven’t worked, liver transplantation or replacing your liver with a healthy donor liver may be necessary to save your life. If this is the case, the Peak Gastroenterology Associates team can put you on a liver transplant list.

What Causes Liver Failure?

A variety of diseases or illnesses can lead to liver failure and the need for liver transplantation. Examples include:

Cirrhosis of the liver
Alcoholic liver disease
Hepatitis B and C
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Genetic liver disease
Bile duct diseases
Liver cancer
Overuse of drugs or toxins

Cirrhosis of the liver is the scarring of your liver and the impaired liver function that results. Cirrhosis is a common reason your doctor might recommend liver transplantation in Denver, Colorado Springs, & Lone Tree, CO with our team. Living a healthy lifestyle, getting hepatitis vaccines, and avoiding excessive alcohol or drug use can keep your liver healthy.

What Are the Symptoms of Liver Failure?

The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have liver failure:

Blood in the stool
Vomiting blood
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Jaundice
Fluid buildup
Confusion

See your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider for an evaluation if you’re at risk of developing liver failure or have symptoms of liver damage.

Is Liver Transplantation Right for Me?

Your gastroenterologist reviews your medical history and symptoms to determine if liver transplantation in Denver, Colorado Springs, & Lone Tree, CO with our team is right for you. They complete a comprehensive physical exam and may use blood tests, imaging tests, heart tests, or other diagnostic procedures to determine the extent of your liver damage. If you’re a good candidate for liver transplantation, you’re placed on a waiting list.

What Should I Expect During Liver Transplantation?

You might wait weeks, months, or even longer for a healthy donated liver. Healthy livers used for transplantation often come from donors who have died. You may also receive part of a healthy liver from a living donor. If a liver becomes available, your doctor will call and ask you to come to the hospital at once to undergo the liver transplantation surgery. You’re placed under general anesthesia and are asleep during the procedure.

Your surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen and replaces your liver or a portion of your liver with a healthy donor liver. Liver transplantation can take up to 12 hours to complete. After making the switch, your doctor closes the incision, and you move to an intensive care unit to begin your recovery.

What Happens After the Procedure?

After liver transplant surgery, your doctor tests your liver function and monitors you for complications. You might spend five to 10 days in the hospital and attend frequent checkups during your at-home recovery. You must take medications for the rest of your life after liver transplantation. A full recovery might take six months or longer.

If you suspect you have liver failure or would like to be considered for liver transplantation, schedule an appointment with Peak Gastroenterology Associates over the phone or request an appointment online today.

Liver Transplantation FAQ

Which age is best for a liver transplant?

There is no single best age for a liver transplant. Instead, eligibility is determined by overall health, organ function, and the ability to undergo and recover from surgery. While younger patients may have faster recovery times, older adults can still be excellent candidates if they are in good physical condition and free from serious comorbidities. The transplant team evaluates each case individually rather than relying on age alone.

What are disqualifying factors for a liver transplant?

Certain medical and behavioral factors may disqualify a person from receiving a liver transplant. These can include the presence of advanced cancer outside the liver, severe heart or lung disease, uncontrolled infections, and active alcohol or substance abuse. Patients who are unable to follow medical instructions or who lack the social support needed for recovery may also be considered ineligible. Additional considerations may include severe obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, or other conditions that significantly increase surgical risk.

What is the average life expectancy after a liver transplant?

The average life expectancy following a liver transplant varies depending on the patient's health, the cause of liver disease, and how well they follow post-transplant care. Most people live more than 10 years after the procedure, and many live 20 years or longer. Approximately three out of four liver transplant recipients survive at least five years, and long-term success is often possible with proper medical follow-up and a healthy lifestyle.