Your liver is an important organ that filters toxins from your blood and aids digestion. When your liver has complications and fails, you will need a liver transplant which replaces your sick liver with a donor's liver.
Individualized care each step of the way
Built on a foundation of deep expertise, we understand that each patient has unique needs. We will work closely with you, your doctor and your loved ones to develop a personalized liver transplant plan.
We are a leader in transplant surgery and have an exceptional track record for successful outcomes. We take a team approach, where every specialist has input into your care, which may even include searching for alternative treatments to transplantation. You will work closely with a nurse navigator who will guide you through the entire process and ensure you have everything you need each step of the way.
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Conditions
During a liver transplant, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver from another person. Liver transplantation may be an option for those diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure. Some of the complex conditions that lead to this type of diagnosis include:
Acute liver disease from toxins including Acetaminophen/Tylenol
Alcohol associated liver disease
Alpha 1 Antityrpsin deficiency
Autoimmune hepatitis
Budd-Chiari syndrome
Failed prior liver transplant
Hemochromatosis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Liver cancer
Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis or fatty liver disease
Polycystic disease
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary liver cancers
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Wilson disease
Testing
We have improved the usual 6-day process and made it only 2 days long, which gives us ample time to get acquainted with you, answer any questions you may have, and introduce you to your care team. During this period, you will undergo testing to ensure that you are ready for the transplant. You have a team of clinicians taking care of all your physical and emotional needs, including:
Evaluation: Day 1
- Patient and family education session
- Consult with a transplant surgeon
- Consult with transplant anesthesiologist
- Consult with a transplant nurse coordinator
- Consult with a transplant pharmacist
Evaluation: Day 2
- Consult with a transplant social worker
- Consult with a transplant infectious disease physician
- Consult with a transplant dietitian
- Consult with a transplant psychiatrist
Additional testing may be recommended based on your 2-day evaluation.
Treatments
If you are experiencing end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure, a liver transplant may be recommended as a viable option. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the diseased liver and replaced with a healthy liver from a donor.
It is a complex and delicate operation that requires a skilled medical team and careful planning to ensure the best possible outcome. The process of finding a suitable donor liver can be challenging and there are strict criteria for organ compatibility. When you undergo a successful transplant, it can be a life-saving intervention that greatly improves your quality of life.
This program has become fully accredited by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). The OPTN dedicates itself to promoting maximized organ supply, effective and safe care, and equitable organ allocation and access to transplantation. Tufts Medicine collaborates closely with United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS is an independent, non-profit organization that governs the network of transplant hospitals and organ procurement organizations. It collects and reports data on every U.S. organ donor, transplant candidate, recipient and outcome.
Renowned, experienced + specialized
Tufts Medical Center has a team of experts who are dedicated to the success of liver transplantation patients. The program is co-directed by renowned transplant hepatologist Fredric D. Gordon, MD, and transplant surgeon Martin Hertl, MD. In addition, Dr. Manish Varma is also part of the team. The team is composed of highly experienced and specialized hepatologists, oncologists, interventional radiologists, psychiatrists, infectious disease specialists, anesthesiologists, nurse coordinators, social workers, pharmacists, and nutritionists. They are all committed to your success before, during and after transplantation.
For referring physicians
When you entrust your patient with us, we take that responsibility seriously. We are committed to collaborating with you before, during and after transplantation, as an ongoing resource and partner.
Our highly experienced hepatologists, oncologists, interventional radiologists, nurse coordinators, anesthesiologists, social workers, pharmacists, psychiatrists, infectious disease specialists and nutritionists will work with you and your patient to provide a seamless experience.
The benefits and resources of a top academic medical center:
- A 24-hour patient placement access line for acute needs and immediate inpatient referrals: 877.658.8387
- A dedicated nurse coordinator who will help navigate the journey for you and your patient
- In-house histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory (HLA Lab)
- Dedicated inpatient transplant units for pre- and post-transplant care
- Intensive care units
- Inpatient transplant surgery and medicine services
Our locations
From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.
Our doctors + care team
Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.