The liver

The Liver & Transplant

PSC is a slowly progressive disease of the bile ducts, followed closely by a hepatologist over many years. It is monitored, its symptoms are treatable, and for advanced disease, transplantation is highly effective. 7,8

Living with PSC over time
Monitoring

Liver blood tests and MRCP imaging track the bile ducts over time to catch strictures and complications early. 13,24

Symptoms

Itching, fatigue, and episodes of bile-duct infection (cholangitis) can occur and are treatable. Tell your team promptly. 25

Transplant

For advanced PSC, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment; many people live well for years before it is needed. 19–21

After transplant

The IBD still needs ongoing care, and colon-cancer surveillance continues. The risk does not disappear with a new liver. 13,20

PSC can recur after transplant Advanced

PSC can come back in the transplanted liver (recurrent PSC) in a minority of people, which is why hepatology follow-up and monitoring continue lifelong after transplant. 19

Dominant bile-duct strictures are also watched carefully, since they can signal complications, including a small risk of bile-duct cancer, and are often managed endoscopically. 20,21