That 394 total organs transplanted marks an all-time high for the program and includes 142 liver transplants and 240 kidney transplants. Among the 250 transplant centers in the U.S., UC Health’s liver transplant program now ranks 17th by volume and its kidney transplant program ranks 33rd.
“We are proud to provide Greater Cincinnati’s only comprehensive adult organ transplant program, and our team is committed to expanding access to this lifesaving care to those who need it most,” Shimul A. Shah, MD, section chief of solid organ transplantation at UC Health, James and Catherine Orr Endowed Chair in Liver Transplantation, and professor of surgery at UC College of Medicine said. “This milestone is a significant accomplishment as an institution—however, we are most proud of our team and providers, and the outstanding care that we have provided to our patients.”
UC Health provides Greater Cincinnati’s only comprehensive adult organ transplant center, located at UC Medical Center. The program is nationally known for transplant clinical practice, research and education. It is also a destination referral center, with more than 1,800 referrals received in 2022 for kidney and liver transplant patients.
Patient outcomes are excellent among patients transplanted at UC Health, and median wait times are among the lowest in the nation—just 12 days for liver transplant patients, and 116 days for kidney transplant patients.
UC Health’s transplant program also celebrated a milestone anniversary in December 2022—marking 55 years since Cincinnati’s first kidney transplant was performed at UC Medical Center.
The UC Health transplant program provides kidney, heart, liver and pancreas transplants, as well as hepatobiliary surgery. The program has earned a national reputation for its clinical outcomes; influential academic research, especially in the area of anti-rejection medication; and innovative programs and techniques. It has also provided new hope and longer, happier lives to thousands of organ recipients.