Liver Transplant for Hepatitis C Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Hepatitis C What to Know if You Need a Liver Transplant for Hepatitis C If you have hepatitis C, you may need a liver transplant. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure. By Blake MillerMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD Reviewed: August 27, 2020 Medically Reviewed The number of people who need a liver transplant has decreased in recent years.Julia Lazebnaya/Shutterstock A hepatitis C (HCV) diagnosis can come as a shock to many people. Because the virus causes few — if any — physical symptoms, it often goes undetected for years or even decades, which can lead to “We need to know if a patient is emotionally and mentally stable enough to undergo a major surgery such as a liver transplant,” says Muir, adding that doctors also want to know if their patients have the support of friends and family. “They most certainly cannot do this alone,” he says. Doctors also want to determine whether people are physically strong enough to undergo the procedure and have health insurance that covers a transplant.Next, doctors will use a “MELD” (model for end-stage Once a person “passes” these exams, they are placed on the liver transplant list and normally wait about 18 months for one to become available. In recent years, that wait time has started to decrease, thanks, in large part, to the same DAAs that can cure hepatitis C. Treating Hepatitis C After a Liver TransplantA liver transplant can save a person’s life, but it does not cure hepatitis C. Hepatitis C can be cured with DAA though. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Hepatitis C These Requirements Make It Harder for People With Hepatitis C to Be Treated Restrictions in Medicaid coverage can prevent people with hepatitis C from receiving treatment.By Maia Niguel Hoskin, PhDMarch 11, 2022 Can Curing Hepatitis C Improve Your Brain Health? The virus can cause problems such as brain fog, fatigue, and memory trouble. The good news: These cognitive problems can be reversed.By Jessica MigalaMarch 11, 2022 Hepatitis C Infections Are Rising Among Pregnant People A growing number of pregnant people are being diagnosed with hepatitis C amid a worsening opioid crisis — and a new study suggests that white and American...By Lisa RapaportDecember 9, 2021 Should You Take an At-Home Test for Hepatitis C? At-home testing for hepatitis C is becoming more widespread. Discover whether you should take a self-test and what you need to know about this new way...By Elizabeth YunDecember 8, 2021 7 Ways Hepatitis C Affects Your Skin A hepatitis C infection can not only damage your liver but also affect your skin. Learn how to manage the symptoms.By Elizabeth YunSeptember 8, 2021 8 Things People With Hepatitis C Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines Find out whether the COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people with hepatitis C, including those who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis.By Moira LawlerMay 6, 2021 7 Things to Do While You’re Waiting to Start Hep C Treatment Take these steps to shore up your diet, medication routine, and more.By Andrea PeirceMarch 9, 2021 5 Ways to Avoid Hepatitis C Reinfection Direct-acting antiviral medication can cure hepatitis C, but it can’t prevent you from catching the virus again. Here’s how to avoid contracting hep C...By Colleen de BellefondsDecember 3, 2020 How One Black Man Was Cured of Hep C, Despite Racial Bias How one Black man fought — and won — his battle with hepatitis C.By Maia Niguel Hoskin, PhDDecember 3, 2020 Hepatitis C Virus Treatable Thanks to Discovery of Nobel Winners The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to three scientists who discovered the hepatitis C virus, a feat that paved the way...By Lisa RapaportOctober 13, 2020 MORE IN Cirrhosis: The Hepatitis C Complication You Should Know About The Best (and Worst) Foods and Drinks for Hepatitis C 9 Questions You Should Be Able to Answer About Your Liver Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges