News DeskDubai: Surgeons at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, have unveiled an innovative strategy to help patients with obesity receive life-saving liver transplants by combining weight-loss surgery with liver transplantation. This breakthrough approach addresses a critical barrier for individuals whose weight might otherwise disqualify them from transplant eligibility, particularly those suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition driven by obesity.
Dr. Julie Heimbach, Director of the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, announced that performing a gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) alongside liver transplantation simultaneously has proven effective in treating both severe liver disease and obesity. The dual procedure is a lifeline for patients with advanced MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to fat accumulation in the liver and affects millions globally.
“MASLD is now the most common liver disease worldwide, largely due to rising obesity rates,” Dr. Heimbach explained. “Excess liver fat triggers inflammation, scarring, and eventually cirrhosis, leaving transplantation as the only option. However, obesity often excludes patients from transplant lists. Our approach tackles both issues at once.”
The combined surgeries involve coordinated efforts from transplant and bariatric surgical teams. Gastric sleeve surgery reduces stomach size, promoting significant weight loss and improving metabolic health, while the transplant replaces the damaged liver. This synergy not only enhances transplant eligibility but also addresses the root cause of MASLD—obesity—offering patients a sustainable path to recovery.
With obesity rates climbing, MASLD cases are surging, escalating demand for innovative solutions. Mayo Clinic’s approach not only saves lives but also empowers patients to reclaim their health. “Transplantation gives patients a second chance, but pairing it with weight-loss surgery allows them to thrive post-recovery,” Dr. Heimbach emphasized. “They return to full, active lives—healthier and more engaged than before.”
“I’m inspired by how this transforms lives,” Dr. Heimbach added. “Patients aren’t just surviving; they’re rediscovering joy in daily activities, free from the burdens of liver disease and obesity.”
