transplants

Posted by Keri on August 04, 1999 at 11:29:33
Hi. I heard something on the news about hepatitus (hepatitis) C patients being able to have transplants. On the news story a man had a piece of his liver cut out and it was transplanted into a woman who had hepatitus (hepatitis) c. The woman recovered and the mans liver grew back. If I heard right, or if I understand this correctly I would love to have any information anyone can tell be about this. How would someone go about getting a transplant?

Posted by Joe on August 04, 1999 at 18:34:46
Keri, Here is a link to an page on living liver donor. There is a contact # at the bottom.

Posted by HFHSM.D.-D.M. on August 08, 1999 at 20:04:14

Dear Keri:
I appreciate your question and I can assure you there will be more and more interest in living donor transplants.  First of all, patients with advanced liver disease from hepatitis C have always been candidates for liver transplant, either from a living donor or from a donor who is dying.  
Living donor transplants have been used extensively for children in which a small part of the liver is taken from an adult (often a parent) and given to a child.  However, the technique is relatively new for adults because more of the liver has to be taken from the donor.  The center with the most experience is the Medical College of Virginia although the New York Times article was about Mt. Sinai hospital in New York.  However, may centers are gearing up to do this.
You have to appreciate that only a small number of people with hepatitis C ever need a liver transplant, but if someone does and has a potential living donor, you might contact the liver transplant programs at either of these two centers or you might contact a liver transplant program locally and see what they can tell you.  
I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck with your  situation.   If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can post them through MEDHELP.  The direct number to our Liver Clinic at Henry Ford is: [phone]..  We have an active liver transplant program.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.