Oklahoma’s First Liver Transplant for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Completed at OU Health
OU Health recently completed the state’s first liver transplant to treat a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer known as hilar cholangiocarcinoma. This new service will provide options for patients who previously had to leave the state to receive care for this condition.
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that typically spreads along the bile duct and can move into the liver, with less than 10% of people surviving five years beyond their diagnosis. Currently, there are about 20 programs in the country that offer transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma.
Eligible Oklahomans can now be placed on a transplant waitlist and matched with a donor to receive a transplant. However, only about 20% to 30% of patients are able to receive surgical treatment due to the advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Dr. Narendra Battula, a transplant surgeon at OU Health, emphasized the importance of careful planning for the operation, including factors such as the availability of donor organs and the patient’s ability to take anti-rejection medications after the transplant.
The patient who received the liver transplant at OU Health had initially been scheduled to have a portion of her liver with cancer removed. However, the cancer had spread significantly, making a transplant necessary for survival. She was quickly matched with a donor and underwent the transplant without complications, showing positive results in her recovery. Dr. Battula expressed his satisfaction with being able to offer this option to other Oklahomans, as it can significantly improve their chances of survival.
By providing liver transplants for bile duct cancer patients, OU Health is eliminating the need for referrals to specialists in other states and ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment at their local hospital. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the cancer center in providing advanced care options for Oklahomans.
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In conclusion, OU Health has made history by completing Oklahoma’s first liver transplant for hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients. This new service will give hope
