The Transplant Center—Liver Transplant

Liver transplant was introduced at the University of Minnesota in 1964. Since then, University of Minnesota Physicians has performed more than 700 liver transplants. Many of the liver transplants are done in combination with other organ transplants to treat rare diseases. Several combined liver-and-kidney transplants have been performed since 1981 when University physicians performed the first transplant of this type. Other combinations include liver/pancreas and liver/intestine transplants.

Liver Transplant for Infants and Children

The University of Minnesota liver transplant program is highly regarded for its success with infants and children. Over 250 pediatric liver transplants have been performed here. In cooperation with Fairview-University Children’s Hospital, physicians and other clinicians are proud of their reputation for innovation and advanced technology. Use of living donors and procedures in which segments of a single liver are transplanted into two recipients have earned the program a reputation of leadership in the field.

In 1982, a liver transplant in 11-month-old Jamie Fisk, at what was then the University of Minnesota Hospital, captured national attention. Jamie has gone on to become the world’s longest-living pediatric liver recipient. In addition, the effort to locate a donor for Fisk helped pave the way for passing the National Organ Transplant Act in 1984 that, ultimately, created the national Organ Procurement and Transplant Network.

Learn more about the liver transplant program