Florida Father Undergoes Rare Second Liver Transplant at Northwestern Medicine

Andrew Wagner, a father of four from Florida, successfully underwent a rare second liver transplant at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago after his first transplanted liver, received 15 years prior, began failing following his recovery from stage 1 lung cancer. Due to his recent cancer diagnosis, many transplant centers initially declined a second transplant, but Northwestern Medicine challenged traditional transplant indications, marking a significant shift in transplant medicine. Wagner's case highlights the complex balance between cancer treatment and organ transplant immunosuppression, as anti-rejection medication adjustments may have contributed to liver rejection. Separately, another patient from Savage, Minnesota, underwent life-saving double organ transplants for liver and kidney failure and is now advocating for increased organ donor registration, particularly among men who have lower registration rates despite higher transplant needs. These stories underscore advances in transplant evaluation and treatment, as well as ongoing challenges in organ donation awareness. Recent scientific studies emphasize innovations in liver transplantation, including new preservation protocols and machine perfusion techniques, which contribute to improved outcomes and expanded donor liver utilization.