Liver Transplant Surgery

New Patient Appointment or 214-645-1919

Using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies, our integrated, multidisciplinary team of experts provides an unparalleled level of patient-focused care with excellent outcomes.

Go Inside the Operating Room (OR) for a Look at Liver Transplant Surgery

Join Dr. Parsia Vagefi, UTSW’s Chief of Surgical Transplantation, for unprecedented access to the OR during a liver transplant surgery.

Viewer discretion is advised.

About the Surgery

Liver transplantation encompasses much more than the initial surgery – and it requires a lifelong commitment after the procedure.

During the transplant operation, the anesthesiology team puts the patient under general anesthesia. The diseased liver is removed through an incision in the abdomen. The team then places the healthy donor liver into the patient’s body, making the appropriate connections for the bile duct, artery, and veins.

The transplant surgery usually takes four hours.

After surgery, the patient is taken to the surgical intensive care unit and closely monitored for one day. Once stabilized, the patient will be moved to the transplant floor.

The hospital stay typically lasts four to five days, representing one of the shortest lengths of stays for liver transplant in the country. During this time, patients learn about medications, future outpatient visits, and general health care issues. Patients also undergo physical therapy and learn how to take care of their new liver.

Learn more about what to expect after surgery.

Rachel Peeples: A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Half a Liver

When Rachel Peeples’ liver failed without warning, a rare split-liver transplant at UT Southwestern saved not only her life but an infant’s as well. With expert care and a second chance, she’s now thriving and more energetic than ever.

Patient Stories; Transplant

Tina’s Transplant Story: A race against time and acute liver failure

April 9, 2020