transplant question

My friend was told that until he is at a critical stage with his liver cancer they won't even put him on a waiting list the doctor told him that the kind of liver cancer he has requires him to be at a critical stage, now to me this makes no sense I would think that would put him at a higher risk to not make it through a surgery he is 61 I think he needs to change doctors this dr acts as though it's not a big deal I am very concerned that something is being missed or not told to my friend.

Hermie,

The various eligability criteria for liver transplant ane extensive and fairly complex.  Also they vary from region to region.  So it's very difficult to offer an opinion on your specific situation.

I will say this however:  The doctor advising your friend should go over the criteria with him so that he understands them and should explain specifically why he is or is not eligible.  Sometimes a candidate who is not eligible has a chance to become so as a result of successful treatment and/or lifestyle changes.

 Andy

Very few liver cancer patients are eligible for liver transplantation, and the criteria are complicated and strict. In general, the more advanced the disease, the less likely that a transplant will be approved. So, it sounds like your friend should get an opinion from an actual transplant surgeon in order to understand all the issues involved. Major centers for liver transplantation are Pittsburgh and Houston.

Liver transplantation is very controversial as a treatment for liver cancer, because the cancer tends to recur and "waste" the new liver.

 Violarob in Texas

Hi, If you are interested in a second opinion, I can highly recommend my doctor, Dr. Joseph F. Buell. He is located in Louisville, Kentucky. He performed a liver resection on me Nov. 2007 (I have metastic colon cancer). I am now NED.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post again here or reply to me privately. His contact info follows.

I am confident that you will be in good hands with Dr. Buell.    Best wishes. Karen B.

Joseph F. Buell, MD, FACS

Professor of Surgery

Chief, Division of Transplantation

Director, Jewish Transplant Center

Co-Director The Liver Tumor Institute

Department of Surgery

University of Louisville

601 South Floyd Street, Suite 700

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Phone 502-587-4607

http://www.survivelivercancer.com

http://www.jhsmh.org/carecenters/ot_livervids/ot_livervidWav