Liver Transplant at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose University of Colorado Hospital for Your Liver Transplant?

Meet Summer Hudish. A liver transplant
survivor who just won the race of her
life. Watch Summer's story.

At University of Colorado Hospital, we have a strong foundation for our Liver Transplant Program. The first liver transplant in the world was performed at our hospital in 1963 by world-renowned Surgeon Thomas Starzl, M.D. We created a formal Liver Transplant Program in 1988 under the direction of Dr. Igal Kam. Throughout the years, we have made significant technological advancements that greatly increasing the probability for a normal life after transplant surgery.

  • United Network Organ Sharing (UNOS) data shows our Liver Transplant Program has one of the lowest one-year mortality rates in patient survival for centers performing 60+ liver transplants per year.
  • Our overall patient survival three years after transplantation is 85 percent.
  • The average hospital stay (from date of transplant to discharge) for a liver transplant is 12 days.
  • Our team has performed more than 1,400 liver transplants in adults and children between 1988-2008.
  • Since 1996, our team has performed more than 130 living-donor liver transplants.
  • University of Colorado Hospital has an entire floor dedicated to transplant patients. All patients receive medical care by a team of experts who are specifically trained to address transplant patients’ special needs.

What is a Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant may be the only option for someone with liver disease leading to liver failure. There are two types of transplants. A cadaver transplant uses the liver of a brain-dead person. This is the most common type of liver transplant.

Living-donor transplants are the second type. As its name indicates, the person who is donating his or her liver is alive. It is usually a relative or close friend who donates a portion of his/her liver to the person in need of the transplant. In about two months after the surgery, both livers will grow back to full size.

How to Make a Liver Transplant Appointment

To determine if you are a candidate for a liver transplant, you first need to be evaluated by a hepatologist.

Choose a Liver Transplant Doctor/Healthcare Provider

Departments that Support Liver Transplants

Hepatology
Anschutz Medical Campus
(720) 848-2245 or (800) 874-0089 (toll-free)

Transplant Center
Anschutz Medical Campus
(720) 848-0005