Molly Riley, Associated Press
In this June 28, 2016 file photo, Dr. Matthew Cooper carries a donated kidney at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.
Intermountain Health's transplant program had a record year in 2023, thanks to the generosity of donors, their families, and caregivers.
For the fifth year in a row, Intermountain Health has performed a record-breaking number of adult transplants, according to the company.
In 2017, patient Harold “Hal” McNeil was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and two tumors were also discovered. NASH is a progressive form of fatty liver disease that occurs in people who do not consume alcohol. Fat buildup can cause inflammation and damage, which can lead to scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis. Then, in January 2023, doctors discovered another tumor and she was moved up to the transplant waiting list.
Within six months, a 64-year-old man was told a liver was available, but declined the offer, saying there were too many people on the waiting list longer than him, but he was offered one. The liver was a perfect match.
When it came to her children and grandchildren, McNeil decided she couldn't say no, so she received a liver transplant last July, giving her a new lease of life. He became one of 414 Utahns to receive an organ transplant.
The biggest increase in liver transplants occurred last year, from 104 in 2022 to 182 in 2023, according to Intermountain Health. Additionally, 198 adult kidney transplants, 30 heart transplants, and 4 kidney/pancreas transplants were performed last year, for a transplant rate of 38%. Utah ranks 9th in the nation for the shortest wait times.
“This unprecedented growth in our transplant program is a result of our dedicated multidisciplinary team delivering as many patients as possible,” said Dr. Gene Botha, transplant surgeon and medical director of Intermountain Health's Abdominal Transplant Program. “It reflects how we fulfill our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible.” “The increase in transplant numbers is proof that our team of healthcare professionals is enabling transplants with high-quality outcomes for even the most complex patients.”
Every nine minutes, someone is added to the transplant waiting list in the United States. In Utah, 885 people are on that list. A total of 103,000 Americans are waiting for a new kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas transplant.
In October, the National Kidney Registry named Intermountain Health's transplant program the best kidney transplant program in the United States for its success in successfully matching kidney donors with recipients.
“While donors are called heroes, it's important to remember that the real heroes of this story are the recipients and their families,” said Carla, a maternal-fetal medicine physician at Intermountain Health. Dr. Heuser says.
Heuser became a living liver donor in 2020 and volunteered to become a living kidney donor in 2023.
“I admire the courage and grace they showed in the face of circumstances they did not and would not have chosen, their perseverance and advocacy for their children, and their now inclusion into their lives. I am in awe of their generosity,” Heuser said.
To learn more about organ donation or to register to become a donor, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/donatelife.
Newsletter
