Liver Transplant
Vanderbilt Transplant Center’s liver transplant specialists offer complete care for liver and bile duct diseases. We have performed more than 2,200 liver transplants since 1990 – the largest number of liver transplants among any program in Tennessee. Our surgeons have the expertise for dual-organ operations, including liver-heart and liver-kidney transplants, to treat people with even the most complicated medical challenges.
Conditions We Treat
Conditions we treat that can lead to end-stage liver failure or cirrhosis requiring a liver transplant include but are not limited to:
- Acute liver failure
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor)
Meet Your Care Team
Sophoclis P. AlexopoulosMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Liver Transplant, Liver Transplantation, Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Sunil K. GeevargheseMD, MSCI
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Biliary Disease / Gallbladder, Cancer, Gastroenterology Surgery, Gastrointestinal, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery
Lee GordenMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Biliary Disease / Gallbladder, Gastroenterology Surgery, Gastrointestinal, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation
Seth J. KarpMD
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Kidney and Pancreas Transplant, Liver Transplant, Liver Transplantation, Pediatric Kidney Transplant, Pediatric Liver Transplant, Renal Transplantation
Lea K. MatsuokaMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Liver Transplant, Liver Transplantation, Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Martin I. MontenovoMD
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation, Pediatric Surgery, Transplant Surgery
Manhal J. IzzyMD
- Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hepatology and Liver Diseases, Liver Transplant
Roman E. PerriMD
- Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hepatology and Liver Diseases, Liver Transplant
Michael K. PoraykoMD, FAASLD
- Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hepatology and Liver Diseases, Liver Transplant
David S. RaifordMD
- Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hepatology and Liver Diseases, Liver Transplant
Andrew E. ScangaMD
- Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hepatology and Liver Diseases, Liver Transplant
Why Choose Liver Transplant at Vanderbilt
- Knowledge and experience
We perform more than 130 liver transplants each year, making our program the largest in Tennessee. This experience translates into the best possible care and results for you.
- Recognized care
Our exceptional liver transplant outcomes have earned us recognition by Blue Cross, OptumHealth, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Interlink and LifeTrac.
- Living donor program
Living donor program: We offer a living donor liver transplant program to reduce wait times for a healthy liver. Part of a liver from a living donor also gives patients a better chance of a longer, healthier life.
- Innovative treatment options
Our liver transplant program is one of only a few in the country offer liver transplant as a treatment option for a rare type of bile duct cancer called hilar cholangiocarcinoma, or Klatskin tumor. In patients with early stage, inoperable tumors of this type, liver transplant coupled with chemotherapy and radiation can improve outcomes.
- Team approach
Our liver surgeons and hepatologists combine their expertise to create a personalized care plan that is right for you. These specialists work closely with a team of psychiatrists, transplant pharmacists, nurses and social workers to provide you with quality care before, during and after your liver transplant.
- Advancing transplant through research
As part of an academic medical center, we continually research new treatments. We are one of just 15 medical centers participating in a study to test a new transport system for donor livers that could expand the number of livers suitable for transplantation.
- Clinical trials
As part of an academic medical center, we offer access to some of the most promising new approaches being tested in clinical trials. Find a clinical trial.
- Comprehensive care
We have an entire hospital unit for people undergoing transplant surgery. You’ll receive around-the-clock care from our compassionate nursing staff, who have special training in caring for transplant patients.
- Veterans care
We are one of only six transplant centers designated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide liver transplants to our nation’s veterans.
- Pediatric care
Our smallest patients require a dedicated team of specialists who are as knowledgeable as they are comforting. We provide pediatric liver transplants through Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
- Support services
Our transplant center provides many support services, including social workers, transplant pharmacists and a dedicated nurse coordinator. They will guide you through the transplant process. We also offer a unique return-to-work program to help you resume employment and restore your emotional and financial well-being.