Liver transplantation began at Stanford Hospital & Clinics in 1991 as part of the Multi-Organ Transplant Program. In 1995 Stanford established the current Adult Liver Transplant Program which has achieved impressive survival rates that surpass national norms.

During the past nine years at Stanford, this team has performed more than 700 adult and pediatric liver transplantations at Stanford University Medical Center, with excellent survival rates.

The overall goals of liver transplantation are to prolong and improve the quality of life. The selection of appropriate patients for liver transplantation to achieve these goals is crucial.

Liver transplantation is indicated for patients who have:

• Advanced chronic liver disease
  
  
• Fulminant hepatic failure
  
  
• Inherited metabolic liver disorders
  
  
• Hepatocellular carcinoma, when small and not spread beyond the liver
  
  
• No alternative form of therapy
  
  
• No absolute contraindication to liver transplantation
  
  
• A willingness and ability to accept liver transplantation, comply with
  follow-up care, and provide for the costs of both transplantation and
  post-transplant care