History of Liver Transplantation

The first human liver transplant was performed in 1963 by Dr. Thomas E. Starzl. Since then, more than 25,000 liver transplants have been performed worldwide. Improved techniques and the development of the anti-rejection drug Cyclosporine have made liver transplantation a treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage liver disease.

Emory University Hospital has a long and honored tradition of treating patients with end-stage liver disease and portal hypertension. More than two decades ago, the hospital’s Chief of Surgery, Dr. W. Dean Warren pioneered several major surgical techniques still being used in medical centers today. Emory Hospital performed its first liver transplant in 1987. Today, Emory performs approximately 100 adult and pediatric liver transplants each year.

Transplant Center