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 appropriate care to treat your symptoms and prolong your life. The multispecialty team of the Liver-Lung Program includes experts in lung disease (pulmonology), liver disease (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 individual condition and treatment goals. If possible, the Liver-Lung Program staff will help you to arrange any necessary imaging tests or exams that can be completed locally. 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 on its campuses 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'll receive a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The full range of treatment options will be 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 call to request an appointment.