UT Health Physicians

Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Related to: Living donor

Michael and Jeremy Garcia

In 1999, University Health Transplant Institute surgeons performed South Texas’ first live liver donor transplant. Since then, we have remained one of the best liver transplant programs in Texas, exceeding national standards for survival rates.

With over 14,000 patients in the country awaiting a liver transplant, living liver donation has become a lifesaving opportunity for patients. Live liver donation offers individuals the option of transplant before their liver disease worsens. A liver section from a live donor provides a person on the wait list shorter wait times and a better quality of life. A live liver donation is possible because of the liver’s unique ability to enlarge to a normal size in both recipient and donor within a matter of weeks. The act of organ donation is extraordinary and our dedicated living donor team will guide potential donors every step of the way.

Living liver donors must be:

  • In good health and between the ages of 18-60 (55-60 on a highly selective case by case basis)
  • Able to understand the risks and possible complications of liver donation
  • Willing to do all testing required
  • In a stable life situation with family or social support

If interested in becoming a living liver donor, please first complete the Donor Health History Questionnare.

Patient referrals

Submit a patient referral online. Or call 210-567-5777 or toll-free 1-888-336-9633.

Hospital to hospital transfer

Health care providers looking to transport an Adult or Pediatric patient to University Hospital can do so with one simple phone call: 210-743-3100.
To transfer an adult patient to University Hospital: 210-743-3100
To transfer a pediatric patient to University Hospital: 1-855-484-7733