The path to transplant can be a winding one, but we’re here to help you walk it every step of the way. Our team, from surgeons to nurses to pharmacists and social workers, has committed their lives to supporting patients like you as they begin a new life, complete with a lifesaving organ. We understand the challenges you’ve faced, whether it’s managing the difficulties and side effects of multiple medications or missing out on what you love because you don’t feel well.
SUPPORT THAT’S JUST DOWN THE ROAD
Patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to find comfort and support when they’re able to get transplant care at a program close to home. With convenient locations in Greater Cincinnati, we’re proud to provide liver transplants a few minutes—not hours—from home.
Click below to learn more about where you can find compassionate care.
A diagnosis of liver disease can feel overwhelming. We understand what you’re experiencing and are here to support you and your family every step of the way. Our experienced team includes experts on everything from your surgery to your medication to your emotional well-being.
To schedule an appointment, please call the Liver Transplant team at 513-584-9999.
Answers to Your Transplant Questions
As you research liver transplant programs, be an advocate for your own health. It’s common to ask for second opinions. Don’t feel like you’re being disloyal to your own physician when you ask for one. Most welcome the discussion and verification. Find out about dual listings, which allow you to register at two or more transplant hospitals. Since candidates at hospitals that are local to the donor’s hospital are usually considered ahead of those who are more distantly located, multiple listings may increase your chances of receiving a local organ offer.
It’s your body. Take charge.
We understand that waiting for a liver transplant can be stressful. We’re committed to doing everything we can to keep you comfortable and to keep your wait time as short as possible.
Your wait time depends on how sick you are. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is calculated based on a few of your lab results. Donor livers are given out based on this score.
At UC Health, almost half of our patients receive a liver in their first year of waiting. In fact, 45.6% of our patients receive their liver in the first 12 months, compared to the national average of 43.2%.
As you research your transplant, here are some questions United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) recommends asking:
What policies apply to the transplant I need? How do I learn about potential new policies?
What factors are considered in organ matching and allocation?
How does the matching process work?
What do I need to do to be considered for a transplant?
How do I get on the waiting list?
How do I know that I am listed?
Can I list at more than one hospital?
What questions should I ask the transplant team?
Are there organizations that can help patients afford the cost of transplantation?
How long will I have to wait?
How will they find the right donor for me?
How are organs distributed?
What makes this transplant center different from others?
What experience does my transplant team have?
Experience and Expertise
The outcomes for liver transplants at UC Health are consistently at or above the expected national average and compare very favorably to programs in the region.
Our complex and innovative split liver transplant procedure allows us to help two patients. We divide one donated organ and transplant it into two patients.
UC Health is a recognized leader in research, including studies of new medications to prevent and treat rejection and decrease side effects, and new immunosuppressive agents and steroid-free immunosuppression.
According to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) report, our transplant rate among waitlist patients is significantly higher than other programs.
Getting treatment closer to where you live makes a big difference. It means not only are you closer to the comforts of home, family and friends, but it also helps cut costs and time. Pre- and post-surgical appointments and treatment can be significant, and being able to visit us quickly and easily improves your journey.
Patients with both HIV and hepatitis C, or other multiple infections, face a higher risk of complications. We’ve worked extensively with co-infected patients and are experts in managing risks factors to achieve results. For patients with HIV, we use a sophisticated triple drug therapy to manage the condition throughout the disease and transplant process.
We are close partners with referring physicians. We keep them informed and engaged. Our provider toolbox allows us to share health indicator information quickly and easily. This gives physicians access to a patient’s health levels, which may change often and can impact their need for a transplant.
Call for referral information
At UC Health, we lead the region in scientific discoveries and embrace a spirit of purpose—offering our patients and their families something beyond everyday healthcare. At UC Health, we offer hope.