Liver-Lung Program Overview

Specialists in liver and lung diseases

Doctors work together to help people with rare or complex conditions that affect the liver and lungs. The transplantation program at Mayo Clinic is generously funded in part by the Ike and Candy Brown Transplant Research Fund in Honor of Michael J. Krowka, M.D.

The Liver-Lung Program helps people with conditions that affect the liver and lungs. These include hepatopulmonary syndrome, pulmonary hypertension related to liver disease, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. You'll find a team of experts who take the time to listen to your concerns and consider every aspect of your care.

Conditions that affect the liver and lungs can be rare, serious or complex. They can become progressively worse, even fatal, if not properly treated. It's important that you get expert care to treat your symptoms and prolong your life. The Liver-Lung Program team includes experts in lung disease, also called pulmonology, liver disease, also called hepatology, transplant surgery, anesthesia and critical care. These doctors are committed to finding the best solution for you and working with you to develop a personalized care plan.

Virtual visits

Virtual consultations are a useful option, especially for people who are considering traveling to Mayo Clinic from a long distance. These discussions between you and a liver-lung specialist can be done over the phone or by videoconference before an in-person visit. You can talk with a doctor about treatment options and plan next steps based on your symptoms and treatment goals. If possible, the healthcare professionals of the Liver-Lung Program help you to arrange any needed imaging tests or exams that can be done where you live. These results and images can then be sent for review before you make the trip to Mayo Clinic.

Expertise and rankings

Mayo Clinic is one of the leading treatment centers for liver and lung diseases. Each year, specialists at our clinics in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota evaluate and treat more than 117 adults and children with hepatopulmonary syndrome. Many of these people need the advanced and innovative therapeutic approaches that our doctors specialize in.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment

Successful treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with a liver-lung condition for years, you'll be seen by doctors who have access to the latest diagnostic and treatment services so that you get the exact care you need.

After undergoing a thorough assessment, you receive a full treatment plan tailored to your needs. The full range of treatment options are considered, and your plan might include one or more of the following:

  • Oxygen.
  • Specialized medications to treat pulmonary hypertension.
  • Liver transplantation.

Considering surgery

If surgery is the best option for you, you'll consult with a surgeon with advanced training in liver transplant. Mayo Clinic is a major center for living-donor liver transplantation for both hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. The Liver Transplant Program team performs more than 300 liver transplants a year, including for people who need specialized solutions and surgeries such as:

  • Living-donor liver transplants.
  • Liver transplant with weight-loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy).
  • Multiorgan transplants.

Research leading to new options for you

Mayo Clinic's researchers study genetics, causes and new treatments for liver-lung conditions, such as hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. Talk with your doctor about potential new diagnostic and therapeutic advances that might benefit you. Learn more about the Transplant Research Center.

Publications

See a list of publications about hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

Appointments

You may be referred by your primary doctor, or you may make an appointment without a referral. Availability of services may vary among Mayo Clinic locations. Please confirm when you contact us to request an appointment.

Contact

Arizona
Liver-Lung Program
Mayo Clinic

5881 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054

13400 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Phone: 480-301-8484

Florida
Liver-Lung Program
Mayo Clinic
4500 San Pablo Road
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904-953-0853

Minnesota
Liver-Lung Program
Mayo Clinic
200 First St. SW
Rochester, MN 55905
Phone: 507-538-3270

Nov. 28, 2024