Photo: MAURO FERMARIELLO/SPL / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago successfully performed a first-of-its-kind liver-splitting procedure that saved two lives. Kelli Podrez was higher on the transplant list, but selflessly agreed to share her donor liver with 53-year-old Barclay Missen, who was suffering from colorectal cancer and might not have survived the wait. Their shared surgery brought them together and earlier this week they met in Chicago, where Podrez shared that having lost her brother-in-law to the same cancer played a big role in her decision.
Now a few months after the successful transplant, Missen has no signs of cancer remaining in his body. The groundbreaking procedure offers new hope for patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, a condition that previously had limited treatment options. Doctors say this success shows the potential of liver-splitting transplants to save more lives.
Inspired by the surgery’s impact, Northwestern Medicine has launched a clinical program to expand access to liver transplants for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, giving more options to patients who might otherwise face long waiting lists. The innovative approach is a major step forward in improving survival rates and treatment options for patients in critical need.
Source: ABC 7 CHICAGO