EXPERT
Dr. Mario Spaggiari
Transplant Surgeon
Dr. Mario Spaggiari is a transplant and hepato-bilary pancreatic surgeon practicing in Chicago, IL. Dr. Spaggiari specializes in organ transplants including liver, pancreas, kidney and bowel; and oncologic surgeries for the treatment of complex liver, pancreas, and biliary system cancers and more. As a transplant and hepato-biliary pancreatic surgeon, Dr. Spaggiari performs long, complex surgeries that might take many hours to complete. Transplant surgeons remove the organ from the donor as well as transplant the organ in the recipient. Hepato-biliary pancreatic surgeons remove cancers from the liver, pancreas, and biliary system. Dr. Spaggiari works with transplant physicians, medical oncologists, GI doctors, and other professional specialties to provide comprehensive medical-surgical treatment to patients with end-stage organ disease and complex oncological cases. Dr. Spaggiari offers innovative approaches to allow the removal of extensive liver tumors (including metastatic liver disease from colorectal cancer) through surgical/medical downstaging techniques, liver regeneration strategies, liver transplantation.
8 years
Experience
Dr. Mario Spaggiari
- Chicago, IL
- University of Illinois
- Accepting new patients
Robotic-Assisted Placement of Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump for the Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases
Surgical resection remains the only definitive treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). However, only a minority of cases are deemed resectable at the time of diagnosis....
How long can you live without a liver?
I am assuming you are scheduled for a living donor liver transplant. No liver function at all is incompatible with life. Liver transplant is performed when there is still residual READ MORE
I am assuming you are scheduled for a living donor liver transplant. No liver function at all is incompatible with life. Liver transplant is performed when there is still residual function. Allocation of deceased donor livers follow a score named MELD that prioritize the sickest patient. With a MELD of 40 chance of short term survival without liver transplant is limited.
My son needs a kidney transplant. For how long would he usually be on the list?
Different regions/states have different waiting times and that depends on the length of the waiting list. On average it would take anything between 2-5 years from the moment he READ MORE
Different regions/states have different waiting times and that depends on the length of the waiting list. On average it would take anything between 2-5 years from the moment he started dialysis. A suitable living donor is, on average, the best option for young recipients, in terms of waiting time (no waiting) and transplant outcome.
How long does a liver transplant surgery last?
A transplanted liver could last for the entire life of more than 50% of the population. However, there are many factors that can impact long-term outcomes eg. primary disease, READ MORE
A transplanted liver could last for the entire life of more than 50% of the population. However, there are many factors that can impact long-term outcomes eg. primary disease, rejections episode, and medications. Please discuss with your hepatology or your surgeon to have better details about your specific case.
What are the signs of kidney rejection?
Signs of kidney rejection are usually: decreased urine output, swelling, associated with increased creatinine. Please follow up with your nephrology if any of those symptoms occur. READ MORE
Signs of kidney rejection are usually: decreased urine output, swelling, associated with increased creatinine. Please follow up with your nephrology if any of those symptoms occur.
How long should one be on immunosuppressants after a transplant?
For the rest of your life but dosage and type of medications could actually change over time. Initially, you will require more medications and then your hepatologist or nephrologist READ MORE
For the rest of your life but dosage and type of medications could actually change over time. Initially, you will require more medications and then your hepatologist or nephrologist might decide to discontinue or lower some of the most common antirejection drugs.
Can I donate a liver to my son?
Yes, you can, and that is usually the best option for pediatric patients in need of a liver transplant. You need to undergo a thorough workup that includes volume measurements, READ MORE
Yes, you can, and that is usually the best option for pediatric patients in need of a liver transplant. You need to undergo a thorough workup that includes volume measurements, liver biopsy, and lab work. Once cleared for the donation you can pick a date for your transplant. Good luck!
What is the success rate of a liver transplant?
It depends on many factors but is usually pretty high: about 90% in the first year and >70% at 5 years in terms of graft patient survival.
When is a person recommended a kidney transplant?
The sooner the better if your relative is medically fit to undergo the operation.
Does kidney transplant surgery necessitate a trauma surgeon?
Any type of transplant requires a specialized transplant surgeon. The operation and post-operative management require a unique level of specialization.
Can the body reject a transplant after one year?
Rejection of a liver transplant after one year is less common than within the first year, but still possible. Most of the time is due to unexpected level changes in the immunosuppression READ MORE
Rejection of a liver transplant after one year is less common than within the first year, but still possible. Most of the time is due to unexpected level changes in the immunosuppression medications. Treatment is most of the time straightforward with 2-3 days of hospitalization. Keys for long-term success is to be diligent with hepatology follow-up appointments and medications.
Mario Spaggiari,MD,FACS
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Transplantation
University of Illinois at Chicago
Surgical Director Living Donor Liver Transplant Program
ASTS Fellowship Program Director
https://hospital.uillinois.edu/primary-and-specialty-care/transplant
Mario Spaggiari,MD,FACS
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Transplantation
University of Illinois at Chicago
Surgical Director Living Donor Liver Transplant Program
ASTS Fellowship Program Director
https://hospital.uillinois.edu/primary-and-specialty-care/transplant
Is a kidney transplant recommended for a 74 year old person with diabetes?
Thank you for your question. Generally speaking age by itself shouldn’t be a contraindication for kidney transplantation. At the same time, all potential medical conditions associated READ MORE
Thank you for your question. Generally speaking age by itself shouldn’t be a contraindication for kidney transplantation. At the same time, all potential medical conditions associated with aging (eg cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, dementia) can play a role in the final pros and cons evaluation. I would suggest having your mother go through the full kidney transplant workup and start broadcasting for a living donor.
How long does a transplanted organ last?
Thank you for your question. Many factors, both recipient and donor related, are involved in the final outcome of a liver transplant. On average long term organ and patient outcome READ MORE
Thank you for your question. Many factors, both recipient and donor related, are involved in the final outcome of a liver transplant. On average long term organ and patient outcome are excellent with survival rates beyond 70%. Keys of success after liver transplant are: diligence with antirejection medications and follow up appointments plus physical activity
How successful are kidney transplant surgeries?
Kidney transplant is a successful and safe procedure nowadays. It can be done in 2-4 hrs with minimal blood loss and an average of 3-4 days of hospital stay. Chance of primary READ MORE
Kidney transplant is a successful and safe procedure nowadays. It can be done in 2-4 hrs with minimal blood loss and an average of 3-4 days of hospital stay. Chance of primary not function (the kidney graft will never start working) is minimal and related to known donor/recipient risk factors. Chance of delayed graft function (kidney might take up to 3 weeks to work properly) can happen in about 10-15% of the cases especially in the setting of deceased donor donation.
Regards
Regards
What factors must support a liver transplant?
Congenital conditions like biliary atresia are the main indications for pediatric Liver transplantation. Liver deterioration in defined but increased Bilirubin, INR, Creatinine READ MORE
Congenital conditions like biliary atresia are the main indications for pediatric Liver transplantation. Liver deterioration in defined but increased Bilirubin, INR, Creatinine together with intra-abdominal fluid, mental status changes, malnourishment, legs swelling and other "portal hypertension associated" conditions. Most of the time a suitable option is living donor liver transplantation where one of the parents donate about 30% of his/her liver. A thorough workup has to been done by a transplant institution in preparation for the transplant and, as a general rule, it is better to start the process sooner rather than later. Liver transplantation performed at an earlier stage, when clinical conditions are more favorable, is associated with better outcome.
What is the window period to know if the body has accepted the transplanted organ?
"Acceptance" of the organ will be always secondary to a proper anti-rejection treatment. With time, however, the dose of anti-rejection medication could be slightly decreased, READ MORE
"Acceptance" of the organ will be always secondary to a proper anti-rejection treatment. With time, however, the dose of anti-rejection medication could be slightly decreased, but that has to be done by your transplant physician. Serum creatinine and urine output are good metrics of the function of a transplanted kidney.
Kidney rejection medication?
Good morning,
CSA+SRL is a well accepted immunosuppression strategy. I suggest to review all your medications with your transplant nephrologist and do not attempt any changes READ MORE
Good morning,
CSA+SRL is a well accepted immunosuppression strategy. I suggest to review all your medications with your transplant nephrologist and do not attempt any changes without proper expert review.
CSA+SRL is a well accepted immunosuppression strategy. I suggest to review all your medications with your transplant nephrologist and do not attempt any changes without proper expert review.
I had a liver transplant about 4 months ago and my toes feels like frostbite?
That could be related with some of the medications you are taking to prevent your liver from rejection. I would suggest to schedule an appointment with your transplant hepatologist READ MORE
That could be related with some of the medications you are taking to prevent your liver from rejection. I would suggest to schedule an appointment with your transplant hepatologist to review tour medication list and potential side effects
Can you live a normal life after a liver transplant?
After proper recovery time following uncomplicated liver transplant is possible to go back to normal routine and that includes working, traveling, physical activities etc.
How long are you in hospital after a liver transplant?
Usually that depends from the MELD score ( liver sickness score) at the time of the transplant. It could be anywhere between 5 to 15 days.
What anesthesia is used for liver transplant?
Liver Transplantation requires general anesthesia performed by a specialized liver transplant anesthesiologist
