Liver Care and Transplant

At the Atrium Health Transplant and Liver Center, we offer comprehensive, specialized care for patients with advanced liver disease.

Our program is part of the Atrium Health Center for Digestive Health and Surgery, bringing together leading specialists and resources to deliver the highest level of expertise. We offer the full spectrum of liver care – from evaluating elevated liver tests and fatty liver disease to treating cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and providing liver transplantation.

We’re one of the largest designated liver transplant centers in the Carolinas – and the only one in the Greater Charlotte region – with more than 1,700 liver transplants performed since 1994. From evaluation to recovery, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Conditions and treatments

Our liver team provides expert care for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Chronic liver diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis
• Inherited and metabolic disorders such as Wilson’s disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and hemochromatosis
• Autoimmune and bile duct conditions like primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis
• Cirrhosis and its complications like ascites, varices and hepatic encephalopathy
• Liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma
• Benign liver tumors, including hepatic adenomas
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Evaluation for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
• Liver transplant
• Evaluation of elevated liver tests

Liver transplant process: what to expect

Choosing to have a liver transplant is a major decision – and it’s one that involves both you and your support system. At Atrium Health, we’re here to guide you through every step with expert care and compassion.

Evaluation before transplant

Before you can be placed on the national transplant waiting list, you’ll go through a complete evaluation. This helps us understand your health, your support system and your readiness for transplant surgery.

Your evaluation includes:

• Medical and surgical tests to check your overall health
• Social and emotional support review to make sure you have help at home
• Financial review to help you understand costs and insurance coverage

We want to make sure you’re physically, emotionally and financially prepared for a successful transplant – and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Substance use and transplant eligibility

To receive a new liver, you must stop using nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs.

If you have a history of substance use, you may need to complete an outpatient treatment program and continue with sobriety support. To ensure your safety, we may do random screenings before and after your transplant.

Tests you may need

To decide if a liver transplant is right for you, we’ll schedule several tests. These may include:

• Chest X-ray
• Carotid ultrasound
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Triphasic spiral CT/MRI
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram with bubble study
• Pulmonary functions with arterial blood gas
• Cardiac stress test or cardiac catheterization
• Cardiologist consultation
• Psychiatrist/psychologist evaluation
• Evaluation by a transplant surgeon

You may also need to complete:

• An upper endoscopy (EGD)
• A dental exam within the past 12 months
• Additional testing depending on your medical history

If you’re not yet a patient of Atrium Health Transplant and Liver Center, please start by speaking with your current health care provider – they can guide you on next steps.

If you’re already a patient in our program, please call 704-355-6649 for more information.

Once your evaluation is complete and you’re accepted as a transplant candidate, we’ll contact your insurance provider to get approval. Then, we’ll place you on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) national waiting list.

Waiting for a transplant

While you’re on the waiting list, we’ll check in with you regularly to make sure you’re still eligible and healthy enough for surgery.

It’s important to:

• Let us know about any changes in your health, support system, or insurance
• Eat a healthy diet and stay active – this helps you recover faster after transplant

After liver transplant

Most patients return home after surgery. Some may need a short-term stay at a physical rehabilitation center to help with daily activities like bathing, dressing and walking.

You’ll have regular follow-up visits to check how your new liver is working and to make sure you’re healing well.

Support person

Every transplant patient at Atrium Health must have a support person — someone who can help you before, during, and after your transplant. This could be a family member or close friend.

Your support person will:

• Go with you to medical appointments
• Provide emotional support
• Be with you when a liver becomes available
• Help you at home after surgery
• Learn how to spot signs of infection or rejection
• Encourage healthy habits like eating well and staying active

Having strong support can make a big difference in your recovery and long-term success.

Additional liver transplant resources for patients

American Liver Foundation

United Network for Organ Sharing

Central Carolina Liver Association

For referring providers

When you refer a patient to us for liver transplant, we maintain open communication throughout their treatment and collaborate closely with you to ensure a seamless transition back to your care.

For more information about the referral process, call 704-355-6649 or visit our referrals page.