FAQ About Liver Transplantion

1.  When did the program begin?
The liver transplant program at the University of Miami began in 1987. In 1994, Dr. Andreas Tzakis joined our team as Director of the Liver and GI Transplant Division.

2.  How many transplants are performed a year?
Since 1994, we have performed over 1200 liver transplants, 85 intestinal or multivisceral transplants and are now the leader in the southwest for liver living related donor transplants. We average about 200 transplants a year.

3.  What is your success rate?
Our program offers liver transplants to some of the most complicated patients, frequently referred from other transplant centers. Our results are some of the best in the Nation.

4.  What diseases can result from liver or small bowel transplant?
The most common disease for a liver transplant is Hepatitis C. Other conditions include Hepatitis B, Laennec's Cirrhosis (alcoholic liver disease), autoimmune disorders, and other acute or chronic liver diseases. For pediatric patients, the most common disease that occur post-transplant are biliary atresia or neonatal hepatis.

Common reasons for intestinal transplant include trauma or "short gut syndrome," which is the result of surgical resections of the bowel for a variety of reasons. In pediatric patients it may be indicated for NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), gastroschisis or Hirschsprung's Disease.

5.  How do I know if I need a transplant?
This is not an easy question to answer. With end-stage liver disease there may be very obvious signs such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), ascites (abdomen swelling with fluid), muscle mass loss or bleeding from swollen vessels in the throat. But there may also be very subtle indications that are best detected from blood tests. Cirrhosis affects the entire liver. If the liver is unable to heal, transplant may be the best life-saving procedure. Intestinal transplantation is indicated when there is loss of venous access or there is liver failure due to the TPN (total parenteral nutrition) after the bowel or gut is lost.

6.  How do I get referred for an evaluation?
We accept referrals from a variety of sources-the primary care physician, a specialist, a case manager or directly from the patient or family. Once we receive basic information, a member of our team will contact the treating physician to discuss the basic medical condition of the patient to determine how best to proceed with the evaluation.

7.  When will I know if I am accepted?
We require several tests to be completed prior to seeing the patient. With this information in hand, our team is able, in most cases, to indicate to the patient on the initial visit if transplant is appropriate treatment. Occasionally, based on the medical complexity of the candidate's condition, a team conference is required to make the final decision.

8.  How long will I wait for my transplant once I am on the list?
This varies based on the medical acuity of the candidate, the blood type and the size. Most patients who are well enough to wait at home for a transplant will wait anywhere from 9 to 12 months.