Related to: Living donor
In 1999, University Health Transplant Institute surgeons performed South Texas’ first live liver donor transplant. Since then, we have remained at the helm of live liver donation and one of only two programs offering this service in the state.
With over 14,000 patients in the country awaiting a liver transplant, living liver donation has become a lifesaving opportunity for patients. Live liver donation offers individuals the option of transplant before their liver disease worsens. A liver section from a live donor provides a person on the wait list shorter wait times and a better quality of life. A live liver donation is possible because of the liver’s unique ability to enlarge to a normal size in both recipient and donor within a matter of weeks. The act of organ donation is extraordinary and our dedicated living donor team will guide potential donors every step of the way.
Living liver donors must be:
- In good health and between the ages 21 and 55
- Able to understand the risks and possible complications of liver donation
- Willing to do all testing required
- In a stable life situation with family or social support
- Self-insured even though the evaluation and surgery are covered by the recipient’s insurance
If interested in becoming a living liver donor, please first complete the living donor screening form.
Patient referrals
Submit a patient referral online. To speak to a program manager, call 210-567-5777 or toll-free 1-888-336-9633.
Hospital to hospital transfer
Health care providers looking to transport a patient to University Hospital can do so with one simple phone call:
To transfer an adult patient to University Hospital, call 210-358-2500.
To transfer a pediatric patient to University Hospital, call 855-484-7733.