Domino liver transplant by Australian doctors

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 26 Feb 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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Two men took part in a medical procedure known as a domino liver transplant in Sydney, Australia. This is the first operation of its kind in Australia.

Terry had a rare genetic disorder. This caused his liver to produce abnormal proteing. Ronals was dying of liver cancer. Terry was 36, Ronald was 68.

When a liver became available for Terry from a deceased donor, surgeons at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital decided that Terry's original liver could be of use to Ronald.

Both men have recovered well after a 14-hour operation and met today for the first time,

Doctors say that Ronald will not be harmed by his new liver's abnormal production of protein for another 30 years.

Terry says he is proud to help medical science.

'It is really good because it highlights organ donors, so the more media you get the more people get to see it,' he said.

'Hopefully they will choose more organ donations.'

Professor Geoff Mccaughan, from the Liver Transplant Unit, says the outlook for the men is excellent.

'They both have excellent functioning livers and few side effects from the [anti-rejection] drugs,' he said.

Because of the chronic shortage of donor organs, Australian surgeons say they need to find inventive ways to maximise those organs which are available.

Current statistics show 15 per cent of patients will die while waiting for liver transplants.