University Hospital’s Liver Transplant Program, Led by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Physicians, Once Again Ranked Top in the Nation

New national report names University Hospital as the leader in three-year survival rates, building on a history of institutional excellence in liver transplantation

Newark, NJ: University Hospital’s Center for Liver Transplantation, led by nationally-recognized physicians at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), has once again been recognized as the nation’s top leader in three-year liver transplantation survival, setting a new benchmark for excellence. According to a report released by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) on July 9, University Hospital outperformed all other qualifying programs across the country in three-year survival rates, reaffirming its position at the forefront of liver transplantation.

With an estimated three-year survival rate of 97.36%, University Hospital outpaced the national rate by nearly 12%. Using state-of-the-art technology and the latest innovations in liver transplant, Rutgers NJMS physicians transplanted 97 livers with functioning grafts at University Hospital between July 1, 2018 and the end of 2020.

“University Hospital continues to establish itself as a leader in patient safety and outcomes, and we are proud to once again be the national leader in long-term liver transplant survival,” said Ed Jimenez, CEO and President of University Hospital. “As the first adult liver transplant program in New Jersey, we have had the unique privilege of providing patients with exceptional outcomes right in their backyard since 1989.”

“Our physicians have a demonstrated track record of offering the highest standard of care and expertise in liver transplantation, and the latest SRTR report is a testament to the strength of our program and continued commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Robert Johnson, the Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean of NJMS.

“This well-earned recognition of the exceptional care, treatment, and outcomes for liver transplant patients is an excellent example of the lifesaving and leading-edge medical innovation taking place at Rutgers with our medical partners,” Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway said.

At the end of 2022, 10,548 adults in the United States were awaiting liver transplants yet only 152 healthcare facilities are federally designated to handle these lifesaving procedures. The SRTR, which is a national quality tracker under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, publicly releases a report every January and July of patient outcomes from these facilities.

“The institutional focus on liver transplantation at Rutgers and University Hospital allows our multidisciplinary team to stay on the cutting-edge of technology and advance clinical research to improve short- and long-term safety outcomes,” shared Dr. James V. Guarrera, NJMS Professor and Chief of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery and the University Hospital Director of Liver Transplant Program. “We are exceedingly grateful to the dozens of organ donors, families, and organizations that have given the gift of life to our patients.”

The SRTR supports the ongoing evaluation of solid organ transplantation in the United States to improve patient results and experience. The organization analyzes national data collected by the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network on transplant programs and organ procurement organizations to develop program-specific reports.