The Liver
Resources
What does the
Liver Do?
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body – it weighs about 3 ½ pounds. It is located on the right side of the body below the diaphragm. The liver performs many functions: Makes proteins and blood clotting factors. Makes, stores and processes fats. Makes and stores carbohydrates. Makes bile which helps aid in the break down of fats. Acts as a filter to remove potentially harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs and environmental toxins. Stores vitamins A,D,E and K, copper and iron.
The Liver Transplant Program at Vanderbilt
In February 1991, Vanderbilt performed its first liver transplant. The Liver Transplant Program at Vanderbilt is a Medicare-designated program and is now the largest program of its kind in Tennessee, with more than 850 liver transplants. In 2000, Vanderbilt performed its first triple organ transplant in heart, lungs and liver-- one of only eight performed worldwide. Currently, 80-90 liver transplants are performed at Vanderbilt annually. Pediatric Liver Transplantation is available at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital effective October 2007.
Experience and Outcomes
Click here to read more.
Liver Transplant Leadership
J. Kelly Wright, M.D. - Surgical Director
Michael Porayko, M.D. - Adult Medical Director
Lynette Gillis, M.D. - Pediatric Medical Director
Beau Kelly, M.D. - Pediatric Surgical Director
For more information on the Liver Transplant Team, click here.
Contact Us
801 Oxford House,
Nashville, TN 37232-4753
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
Referrals/Appointments: 615-936-5321
Fax: 615-936-2787
For emergencies after hours, call 615-936-5321.
For directions and parking, click here.
Helpful Links
For more information on liver disease or liver transplants, go to:
- American Liver Foundation at
www.liverfoundation.org - Hepatitis Foundation International at
www.hepfi.org - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at
www.samhsa.gov