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Liver Transplantation

Since the first clinical case in 1963, liver transplantation has seen many advancements and improvements. Liver transplantation is not an experimental procedure and has survival statistics that rival many other more commonly performed and better known operations. With the introduction of modern anti-rejection drugs, improvement in preservation techniques and surgeons who are more experienced in liver transplantation, the procedure now has a success rate of 80 to 90 percent. Three out of four patients eventually return to work. Even more will be enjoying a normal lifestyle such as going to the store or taking care of the home and children, things they were unable to do because of a diseased liver.

The Loyola University Health System's (Loyola) liver transplant program was initiated in 1997 and, to date, we have a 94 percent success rate. 165 liver transplants have been completed at Loyola since the first was done in July 1, 1997. Current 90-day, one-year, and five-year patient survival rates are 94 percent, 90 percent and 78 percent respectively. Survival rates match or exceed national averages as determined by United Network for Organ Sharing. Our multidisciplinary liver transplant team is dedicated to your health and well-being.

Loyola's Intra-Abdominal Organ Transplant Division treats diseases of the liver and kidneys. Surgeons anticipate adding intestinal and small bowel transplants to complete the intra-abdominal program, which already includes liver and kidney transplantation.

The key to understanding the transplant process is for the patient to take an active role in understanding every step, as well as the disease process and its effects on your body. Remember, understanding your disease and its treatments are the first steps in taking care of yourself. Asking questions is essential to understanding. If you have questions, you should make a point to write them down and ask your doctor to clarify them. The purpose of this is to educate you, but sometimes getting to know even the uncommon things that can go wrong can frighten you as well. If that happens, remember that thousands of patients undergo this procedure every year and then return to a normal life afterward. Serious complications can occur after any operation, but with modern techniques and medications, they are uncommon.

Our Team
Our multidisciplinary liver transplant team at Loyola is comprised of hepatologists, transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, social workers, psychiatrists, financial counselors, dietitians, dentists, chaplains, rehabilitation physicians and specially trained nurses.

Locations and Contacts
A full spectrum of liver transplantation services is available in Maywood at:

Loyola Outpatient Center, Monday through Friday.

If you would like to make an appointment or need assistance to find an appropriate physician, please call us at (888) LUHS-888.

Related Links
Transplantation Services
Intra-Abdominal Transplant Surgery Services

Program Directors
Nikunj Shah, MD, FACP - Medical Director
John J Brems, MD, FACS - Surgical Co-Director
David R. Holt, MD, FACS - Surgical Co-Director