Liver transplant outcomes at Banner Good Samaritan are highest in Southwest region

Of the 57 liver transplants conducted at the hospital between January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2004, Banner Good Samaritan had a one-month survival rate of 98.25 percent and a one-year survival rate of 92.48 percent. These were the highest survival rates among the 15 Arizona, California and Utah medical centers performing liver transplants. (Note: The region also covers hospitals in Nevada and New Mexico.)

Banner Good Samaritan also had the highest survival rate at three years, with 84.21 percent for the 19 patients between July 1, 1999 and December 31, 2004.

"The SRTR reports are released every six months," said Eileen Polito, director of Banner Good Samaritan Transplant Services. "These are the same type of numbers we have seen over the past few reporting periods, which means Banner Good Samaritan is among the best hospitals for positive liver transplant outcomes in a region that has some of the most renowned transplant programs in the nation."

Richard Manch, M.D., Medical Director of Liver Transplantation, added, "Banner Good Samaritan got off to very strong start this year and now, with the increase in transplant surgeries, we have the volume to back up the patient quality outcome numbers. Through our Transplant Services program and Patient Outreach efforts, we are seeing patients suffering with serious liver diseases from northern Arizona, southern Arizona and here in the central part of the state."

This week, transplant surgeons Lawrence Koep, M.D.; and Jeff Brink, M.D.; performed the hospital's 28th liver transplant for 2005, surpassing the hospital's previous high mark of 27 liver transplants in a calendar year (2004).

"We're extremely pleased that we've been able to help so many patients and their families this year," James Cashman, M.D., 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."

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 director Dr. Manch, 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 noted.

Located in downtown Phoenix, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has been providing medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911, and is a flagship hospital within Banner Health. The hospital was recently recognized as a Magnet facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor a hospital can earn for its nursing care and practices.

In May, Banner Good Samaritan received one of the inaugural Organ Donation Medals of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administrations. The medal was presented to Banner Good Samaritan for achieving life-saving organ donation rates of 75 percent or more for a sustained 12-month period.

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.