UR Medicine / Transplant Program / Liver

Liver Transplant at UR Medicine

The possibility of getting a liver transplant can offer patients a lot of hope, but it can also raise many questions. At UR Medicine, we’re here to help you through every step of this journey and make the process as simple as possible – for you and your loved ones.

Facing serious health issues and surgeries can be stressful for patients and their families. We take a team-based approach to care for every aspect of your health, from your treating your medical condition to helping you manage stress and anxiety.

UR Medicine is the only liver transplant hospital in upstate New York and the only living donor transplant program – and our outcomes are among the best in the nation.

Meet With Us to Learn More

Preparing for a liver transplant can be difficult, but the team at UR Medicine is here to help you. We can help you learn more about this process and get you on the path to the treatment that is right for you

For more information regarding transplant, please call (585) 275-5875

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Living Donor Liver Transplants

It is possible to get a liver transplant from a living donor. UR Medicine is the only living donor liver transplant center in upstate New York.

Living donor transplants are a lifesaving treatment option, because they usually shorten the length of time that a recipient has to wait to get their transplant.

With living donor transplants, a family member or close friend can donate their organ to their sick loved one. The live donor needs to be extremely healthy, as well as a good match for the recipient.

In the case of living donor liver transplants, a portion of the healthy person’s liver is removed and placed in the recipient’s body. Soon, the healthy person’s liver regenerates and returns to normal size.

Liver Cancer Transplants: A New Treatment Option

UR Medicine offers liver transplants to patients who have liver cancer. We are one of the first centers in the country to give this option to patients.

If you have liver cancer that meets certain criteria, you may be eligible for a liver transplant, even if you do not have liver failure.

This is a lifesaving option for patients with liver cancer. It gives patients a better chance at beating their cancer, ultimately giving them a second chance at life.

Son-in-law Provides Second Chance at Life for Lima Native in Need of Transplant

Livingston County native John O’Grady had already endured decades of illness caused by liver disease when a call from his doctor drastically changed his future. An MRI scan showed liver cancer.

John was added to the transplant waiting list. The Solid Organ Transplant team also strongly suggested the 63-year-old consider finding a living donor. The option allows a recipient to undergo a transplant earlier.

Although all four of John’s adult children were willing to be tested, his son-in-law, Matthew Drake, spoke up.

“From my perspective, I was the best candidate,” Matt said. “My wife and I have two toddlers at home – then 3½ and 2 years old. As her husband, I didn’t want to see her go through surgery, with its potential risks, and be unavailable for the kids during her recovery. I wanted to take on the responsibility for everyone.”

Matt, 37, successfully donated a portion of his liver in August 2018, selflessly providing a second chance for John.