A quarter century of liver transplantation at UCLA

Abstract

Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) has become the best and most durable treatment for end stage liver disease (ESLD) of any etiology. The UCLA program, established in 1984, has accumulated one of the world's most extensive experiences with this procedure. The UCLA experience has been built on the classical techniques of Starzl, yet has forged innovations such as split liver transplantation and use of extended criteria donor organs. The UCLA program also reports one of the largest experiences in pediatric liver transplantation and has demonstrated that recipient renal function is a main predictor of post-transplant survival. UCLA has offered further evidence that criteria for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) should be expanded. As the 21st Century progresses, the Dumont-UCLA Liver Transplant program will continue its efforts to improve outcomes for all patients with endstage liver disease.