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Patient at Methodist Dallas Medical Center Survives Amazing 54 Hours Without Liver

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 June 2009, 07:00 CDT

DALLAS, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Doctors at The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas Medical Center announced a successful transplant for a patient who was able to survive 54 hours without a liver. Fifty-seven year old Lois Eisemann was in the last stage of liver failure with less than 10 percent liver function and given 1 to 2 weeks to live when she received her first liver transplant at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. When her new liver failed to function and had to be removed, Ms. Eisemann survived 54 hours without a liver until a new one could be transplanted. Patients can usually survive for less than 24 hours without a liver.

Ms. Eisemann's survival without a liver for 54 hours was a medical challenge. "The non-function of a transplanted liver is a rare event and happens in less than 2 percent of the cases," says Transplant Surgeon Alejandro Mejia, MD, a physician on the medical staff at Methodist Health System. "However, when it does happen, fewer than 10 percent of the generally patients survive." Hepatologist Abdullah Mubarak, MD, also a physician on the medical staff at Methodist, adds, "Ms. Eisemann is a tenacious woman and has beat the odds. Her success story like many other liver transplants, however, does not happen without the tremendous efforts of every team member involved in the patient's care." Dr. Mubarak says that the graciousness of organ donors helps Ms. Eisemann and other organ recipients have a second chance at enjoying life again. "Her story highlights how organ donation is a true gift of life and should inspire more people to be organ donors," he says.

Ms. Eisemann's daughter Charmane Jackson says after the first liver failed, her mother's condition deteriorated rapidly. "We had decided to take her off life support and let her go," says Ms. Jackson. Fifteen minutes after making that decision, the unimaginable happened. Her mother's condition improved and she was able to survive until a new liver was found. After four months in the intensive care unit and three weeks of rehabilitation at Methodist Dallas, Lois Eisemann was able to go home.

Ms. Jackson says the doctors put their knowledge and expertise together and did an amazing job. She adds that the doctors, nurses and physical therapists at Methodist Dallas were her mom's biggest cheerleaders. "The fact that she is alive right now is a miracle from God," she says. Lois Eisemann says, "The doctors call me their miracle patient. I call them my heroes! They were always personable, pleasant and very attentive to work with. They always kept my sprits up and taught me to never give up or lose hope."

About the Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas

The Liver Institute is one of only three facilities in the Dallas area that perform adult liver transplants. In addition to liver transplantation, the Institute also offers comprehensive and multi-disciplinary care for liver disease. The program includes a hepatitis center; a general hepatology program; a liver tumor program; and a hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorder clinic. The Institute is currently involved in several research projects regarding treatments for patients with chronic Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and other liver diseases.

About Methodist Health System

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) uses some of the latest medical technology and research to bring quality health care to individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org.

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

SOURCE Methodist Health System

Source: PR Newswire

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