Navigating the Complexities of Liver Transplantation in Challenging Candidates: Obesity, Advanced Age, Complex Anatomy, and Frailty

Nov 09 2025
Convention Center: Room 145, Level 1
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

World Class Speakers

Monica A Tincopa, MD MSc
Presenter

Monica A Tincopa, MD MSc

University of California, San Diego
Avesh J Thuluvath, MD, MS
Presenter

Avesh J Thuluvath, MD, MS

Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Allison Kwong, MD, MD
Presenter

Allison Kwong, MD, MD

Stanford University Medical Center
Christopher J Sonnenday, MD, MHS
Presenter

Christopher J Sonnenday, MD, MHS

University of Michigan Health
Julie Heimbach, MD, FAASLD
Moderator

Julie Heimbach, MD, FAASLD

Mayo Clinic Rochester

Description

This clinical symposium focuses on unique medical and surgical aspects of selection and management of liver transplant candidates with advanced age, obesity, and/or frailty. Topics include: medical and endoscopic management of obesity before transplantation; the role of prehab for frail transplant candidates; selection of transplant candidates with advanced age; and surgical anatomical challenges in liver transplantation. 

Journey Maps

Presentations

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Nov 09 2025
Washington, D.C.

Liver Transplant Candidates With Obesity: The Role of Pharmacologic and Endoscopic Interventions

Monica A Tincopa, MD MSc, Presenter
Transplant
11:20 AM - 11:40 AM
Nov 09 2025
Washington, D.C.

Liver Transplant Candidates With Frailty: The Role of Prehab

Avesh J Thuluvath, MD, MS, Presenter
Transplant
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 09 2025
Washington, D.C.

Liver Transplant Candidates With Advanced Age: Should There Be an Age Cutoff?

Allison Kwong, MD, MD, Presenter
Transplant
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Nov 09 2025
Washington, D.C.

Liver Transplant Candidates With Complex Vascular Anatomy: Surgical Challenges

Christopher J Sonnenday, MD, MHS, Presenter
Transplant
12:20 PM - 12:30 PM
Nov 09 2025
Washington, D.C.

Q&A Session

Julie Heimbach, MD, FAASLD, Moderator
Transplant

Objectives

  • Recognize the rise of obesity in liver transplant candidates and options for the medical and endoscopic management of obesity before liver transplant.
  • Describe the role of prehab in the management of frailty in liver transplant candidates and candidate selection for those with advanced age.
  • Identify the various complex anatomy challenges faced by the surgeon at the time of liver transplant.
Chair

Pratima Sharma, MD, MS

University of Michigan Medical Center