Objective To explore the dilemmas faced by liver transplant recipients in the surgical decision-making process, so as to provide references for promotingshared decision-making. Methods Purpose sampling method was used to select 15 liver transplant recipients for in-depth interviews, and the interview data were analyzed utilizing the Colaizzi seven-step method. Results The surgical decision-making dilemmasamong liver transplant recipients were consisted of three themes: the decision-making context was special, and the recipients′ opportunities participating in decisionwere limited; the content of decisionwas complicated, and the process for the recipients participating in decisionwas difficult; the decision-maker was negative, and their willingness and ability participating in decision-making was insufficient (lack of health beliefs, self-perceived burden was heavy and over-reliance on others, lack of information related to surgical decision-making). Conclusion The surgical decision-making process among liver transplant recipients is affected by decision-making context, content and decision-maker, so clinical nurses should guide them and their families to strengthen symptom management, help them participate in shared decision-making and improve their health literacy, so as to guarantee the recipients′ right to participate in clinical decision-making.