Sharp, UCSD create joint transplant program

Already accustomed to sharing a bone marrow transplant program, Sharp HealthCare and the UC San Diego Health System are broadening their collaboration to include liver transplantation. The two organizations have finalized a deal designed to streamline joint management of highly complex and expensive cases — from the moment symptoms of liver failure emerge to the extensive post-surgical care needed to prevent a recipient's body from rejecting a new liver. Although it has long-standing transplant programs for the heart, kidney and pancreas, Sharp currently does not perform liver transplant surgeries. That will not change under the joint management agreement with the university, which already handles the bulk of Sharp's liver transplant cases.