All of the adult transplants are performed at Willis-Knighton Medical Center and the pediatric transplants are performed at LSU Health Sciences Center. Pediatric transplants currently being performed include liver and kidneys. We encourage living kidney donation and are now able to perform the donor surgery using laparoscopic approach, allowing faster recovery for the donor. We are also beginning a program utilizing living donors for adult livers. In addition to transplantation services, this division has a large referral base for complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic problems including surgery for primary and metastatic liver tumors.
Cryosurgery is used extensively for treatment of both primary and metastatic liver tumors.
There are multiple opportunities available for housestaff involvement in ongoing clinical and basic science research, specifically in the fields of ischemia reperfusion injury and kidney perfusion and preservation . Anti-HLA antibodies possessed by a kidney recipient can bind to corresponding HLA antigens expressed by the donor organ thereby mediating graft rejection. Determining whether a patient does or does not possess such antibodies is of critical importance. The assays are performed using a laser based Flow Cytometer, and provides the most sensitive and specific assays currently available. Research investigation is focused into four areas, some of which overlap.