200th liver transplant performed at Banner Good Samaritan

PHOENIX (April 13, 2005) – On Tuesday, April 12, transplant surgeons James Cashman, M.D.; Lawrence Koep, M.D.; and Jeff Brink, M.D.; performed the 200th liver transplant at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Arizona's leading provider of organ transplant services. It was the 14th liver transplant performed at Banner Good Samaritan this year.

"We're extremely pleased that we've been able to help so many patients and their families this year," Dr. Cashman, Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation, said. "It's important to recognize the efforts and our partnership with the Donor Network of Arizona (DNA). They are working with people in difficult situations and helping them to understand how the gift of life may bring meaning into their tragic loss."

Arizona's first organ transplant – a kidney transplant – was performed at Banner Good Samaritan in 1969. Since then, more than 2,400 kidney transplants have occurred here. Likewise, Dr. Koep, a nationally renown transplant pioneer who continues to be an active member of the transplant surgical team, performed the state's first liver transplant at Banner Good Samaritan in 1983. Additionally, kidney/ pancreas and pancreas transplants are performed at the hospital. Living donor transplants are performed for both kidney and liver procedures.

The Banner Good Samaritan Transplant Center services include transplant surgeries and extensive support services. "We're proud that we can fully support the medical needs of our patients and provide services that meet their emotional, social and spiritual needs," Transplant Center Medical Director Alfredo Fabrega, M.D., said. "Banner Good Samaritan Transplant Program has a large experienced team of coordinators, social workers, nutritionists and support personnel who work together to ensure a positive experience for all patients and referring physicians."

Organ Transplant support services include the Liver Disease Center, headed by Richard Manch, M.D., and joined by Mark Wong, M.D., a hepatologist who recently became a key member of the Center staff. "The Liver Disease Center is a unique community resource for the diagnosis and treatment of all liver diseases, including Hepatitis B and C," Dr. Manch, Medical Director of Liver Transplantation and Director of the Liver Disease Center, noted.

Banner Health works in partnership with DNA to increase organ donation efforts. Banner Good Samaritan is an active participant in the National Donor Collaborative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This national effort produced 1,000 more transplants in 2004 than in any other previous year.

Banner Health, working in partnership with the DNA, has established the Banner Health Donor Team, which is promoted in the America West Arena. More than 1,200 have become registered organ donors through this program.

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