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How do you go about getting a patient on the liver transplantation list in Pittsburgh?
Scott K. Berman, MD
Thank you for inquiring about the liver transplant services at the University of Pittsburgh. We have the largest cumulative experience of liver transplantation in the world and have the longest-running service for this procedure. We have transplanted almost 6,000 livers over the past 20 years.
In order to refer a patient for consideration, we prefer to have the referring physician contact us. You should feel free to contact me directly and I can expedite the process. My e-mail address is fungjf@msx.upmc.edu, my phone number is 412-647-9576, and my fax number is 412-647-5480. Basically, an introduction of the patient, the diagnosis and current condition, as well as pertinent past history are essential. Supportive documents, x-rays, and biopsies should also be sent. My mailing address is 3601 Fifth Avenue, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
After determining whether the patient meets minimum criteria for liver transplant evaluation (eg, liver function tests, complications of liver disease) and does not have absolute contraindications (eg, extrahepatic tumor, advanced cardiac disease, multiorgan failure), we would ask the patient to come to Pittsburgh for evaluation. The evaluation process takes about 3-5 days, depending on what studies have already been done, and whether there are particular issues that need to be addressed, eg, HIV positivity, pulmonary dysfunction, portal vein thrombosis, etc. An overview of the transplant process can be seen on our Web site: http://sti.upmc.edu. It is easily navigable for both physicians and patients.
Editor's Note:
It is not the intention of Medscape to endorse the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This question/response is being posted as a service to Medscape readers and members since this question has been asked repeatedly by physicians from the United States and countries around the world.
Susan L. Smith, PhD, RN
Site Editor/Program Director
Medscape Transplantation
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