Liver Transplant Program
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Why choose UCSF Health for liver transplant?
Our liver transplant program has a long history of excellence, with some of the best outcomes and survival rates in the nation. We've performed over 5,000 transplants since 1988, including transplants for people with complex and high-risk situations. Our team also has expertise in live donor liver transplant, with a proven track record of safety for donors.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated us a center of excellence, reflecting our commitment to patient care and safety. Our ongoing transplant research helps make procedures safer and improves survival rates. We have also expanded our living donor program, making more organs available for more people.
From the waitlist to life after transplant, liver transplant is a lifelong journey. Specialists at several UCSF Health locations around the Bay Area are here to guide and support you through every step.
Why choose UCSF Health for liver transplant?
Our liver transplant program has a long history of excellence, with some of the best outcomes and survival rates in the nation. We've performed over 5,000 transplants since 1988, including transplants for people with complex and high-risk situations. Our team also has expertise in live donor liver transplant, with a proven track record of safety for donors.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated us a center of excellence, reflecting our commitment to patient care and safety. Our ongoing transplant research helps make procedures safer and improves survival rates. We have also expanded our living donor program, making more organs available for more people.
From the waitlist to life after transplant, liver transplant is a lifelong journey. Specialists at several UCSF Health locations around the Bay Area are here to guide and support you through every step.
Excellent outcomes
Our one- and three-year survival rates for liver transplants are better than the national average.Expertise with complex transplants
We perform transplants involving other conditions, such as portal vein thrombosis, re-transplant, split liver transplants, and kidney-liver and heart-liver transplants.Specialized team approach
Your team includes surgeons, hepatologists, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, dietitians and social workers specializing in liver transplant.Top surgical center
UCSF Health is a "best hospital" (highest rating) for gastroenterology and GI surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Our liver transplant care and services
Our compassionate, experienced team is here to guide you through all the stages of liver transplantation. We provide:
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Comprehensive evaluation. We get to know you and thoroughly review your health history so we can figure out the best treatment path for you.
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Medical support while you wait. While you're on the organ waitlist, we monitor your condition so you're ready for transplant.
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Advanced transplant techniques and recovery care. We use the latest procedures and treatments to help you have the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of rejection.
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Support groups. Our liver transplant groups provide a welcoming environment for transplant patients and their caregivers.
Is there someone in your life who wants to donate part of their liver to you? What a gift! Please call us at 415-353-1888 and select option 2.
Tell the answering staff member that you know someone who's interested in being your living liver donor and that you’d like to be transferred to the new-patient coordinator for liver transplantation.
Give a lifesaving gift
Living Donor Liver Transplant
In living donor liver transplantation, a piece of liver is removed from a living donor and transplanted into a recipient. Find more treatment information here.
Evaluation to be a Living Liver Donor
Learn about the living liver donor evaluation process, including evaluation steps, timelines, insurance coverage and more.
Locations
Providers
Nancy L. Ascher, MD, PhD
Transplant Surgery • Kidney Transplant Surgery
Sandy Feng, MD, PhD
Pancreas Transplant Surgery • General Surgery
Christopher E. Freise, MD
Pancreas Transplant Surgery • Transplant Surgery
James M. Gardner, MD, PhD
Pediatric Transplant Surgery • Pediatric Kidney Transplant Surgery
Award-winning liver transplant care
Best in Northern California for gastroenterology & GI surgery
Designated center of excellence
"Elite" rating (highest) among designated programs of excellence
in the West for number of living donor liver transplants performed
in the U.S. for number of liver transplants performed
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Liver Disease
Treatments
Clinical trials
Global Prospective, Observational Cohort of Adult Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (WIND-PSC Study)SclerosingOpens in a new window
Collection of liver-related data including PSC symptoms, medical history, adverse events, and outcomes at enrollment and each quarterly and annual visit.Bicalutamide Therapy in Young Women With NAFLD and PCOSOpens in a new window
The investigators will assess for change in the MRE quantified liver stiffness in kilopascals (kPA).Parathyroid Allotransplant for Treatment of HypoparathyroidismOpens in a new window
The primary efficacy endpoint is attainment of levels of intact PTH that are in the normal target range and at least a doubling of the baseline intact PTH level prior to transplantationCirrhosisRx CDS SystemOpens in a new window
This outcome is the aggregate adherence to five American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) quality measures applicable to hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Th...Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and Lifestyle Modification for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic SteatohepatitisOpens in a new window
The scale used is NAS - this is the NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) Activity Score. The NAS was developed to provide a numerical score for patients who most likely have NASH. Accordingly, NAS is the sum of the separate s...Optimizing Liver MRI Using Breath-Holding With and Without OxygenOpens in a new window
Image quality of liver MRI scans will be assessed by quantifying the degree of respiratory motion artifacts under two breath-holding conditions: Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) alone and FRC with oxygen supplementation. Reduced...
Research initiatives
UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery conducts research aimed at expanding medication options, refining surgical techniques and improving methods of preventing transplant rejection.
Patient education videos
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Liver transplant, explained
Download our Liver Transplant Patient Handbook, which includes information about post-transplant medication, nutrition, immune protection and more.
Support services
Case Management and Social Work
Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.
Spiritual Care at UCSF
Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.
Outcomes data
See more information about the success rates of liver transplant surgery at UCSF Health on these websites.