TITLE: Hepatocellular Research Registry

Why is this study being done? 
The purpose of the Hepatocellular Research Registry is to establish a nationwide program to procure resected liver tissue and to gather critical patient and research information that will be utilized to develop a comprehensive database. The Hepatic Research Registry data will be accessible to scientists worldwide to further biomedical and clinical research in liver biology and pathology.

As part of the Hepatocellular Research Registry, surgically discarded liver samples are obtained for the isolation of high-quality human liver cells for biomedical research. As part of this program, corresponding patient information such as demographics (HIPAA compliant), medical histories and associated pathologies is compiled. Primary human hepatocytes are isolated from the collected liver samples and used in a variety of research applications. Such applications include the use of hepatocytes to help design safer and more effective drugs, to study cold and warm ischemia, and to determine factors influencing tissue and cell viability, morphology and function. The data generated from such applications are gathered and entered into the Hepatocellular Research Registry database. This information will be available for future analyses by participating biomedical researchers and institutions. It is anticipated that the data collected will lead to important advancements in both the clinical and basic research fields.  

Who is eligible to participate?
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 90

What is Involved With this Study? 
Collection of the tissue sample will be from the pathological sample taken during the normal procedures carried out for the specific surgery consented subjects will be having. No additional invasive procedures will take place in conjunction with this study.

The sample of tissue collected for research will be removed from the pathological sample once this has been removed from the subject and evaluated by a staff pathologist.

The surgical procedures and standard practices for care will not be changed or affected by subject participation in this study. No special tests or follow-up visits will be required for participation in this study. Patients should, however, continue to see their doctor in accordance with the treatment plan that he has previously discussed with them.