From the Editor's Desk: A Focus on Organ Transplantation

Ronald G. Amedee

The Ochsner Clinic was officially founded 75 years ago on January 2, 1945. Since its inception, Ochsner has achieved many “firsts” in the state, the region, and the nation. The first heart transplant in the State of Louisiana was performed at Ochsner in 1970, followed by the first liver transplant in 1975. Since those firsts, Ochsner has methodically built one of the largest and most successful transplant centers in the country.

The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nearly 125,000 people are currently waiting for lifesaving organ transplants in the United States. The majority of transplant patients in the Gulf South are attracted to the unparalleled care and short wait times at the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute which was ranked #1 in the nation in medical excellence for organ transplants in 2017 by CareChex. This recognition is the result of many years of building a distinguished transplant team that has achieved exceptional outcomes, enhancing patients' lives and decreasing the complications involved with such complex surgeries. In addition to the shorter wait times compared to other transplant centers, the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute also has decreased operative times and hospital stays. An additional distinguishing feature of the Institute is its living donor program for liver and kidney transplants. The special ingredient is the patient-centered care provided by all members of our transplant healthcare team. Since its inception in 1984, the Ochsner transplant program has performed more than 5,000 lifesaving liver, kidney, pancreas, heart, and lung transplants in both adult and pediatric patients.

In this issue, we are proud to present a Focus on Transplantation section that contains 5 original research manuscripts, 2 literature reviews, and 3 case reports on the topic. Highlights include papers by Dr Bates et al: “Pacemaker Use Following Heart Transplantation” and “Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy for Pulmonary Hypertension Before Considering Transplant.” Dr Bohorquez has contributed “Post-Liver Transplant Delirium Is Associated with Increased Mortality and Prolonged Length of Stay,” while Dr Tan provides a bench science angle with “Negligible Oval Cell Proliferation Following Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury With and Without Partial Hepatectomy.” Dr Carmody offers his perspective on “Novel Biliary Reconstruction Techniques During Liver Transplantation,” and Dr Garces provides a literature review on the important topic of “Antibody-Mediated Rejection.”

The Focus on Transplantation section presents a collection of remarkable photographs from the operating room, all taken by Ochsner medical photographer Shannon Caruso. Shannon is also responsible for the breathtaking cover image for this issue.

This edition of the Journal also contains 4 non-transplant original research articles with a strong focus on population health and the important shift toward patient-centered care. In that regard, 2 of the articles (Drs Kennedy and Staiano) report patient focus group responses relative to what patients want/need from weight-loss programs and from providers caring for patients with heart failure. The Thomas article ties in well with Staiano, reporting that diagnoses of pediatric overweight/obesity are vastly underreported. Dr Price-Haywood examines whether patient portal use is an effective adjunct in the treatment of patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.

Finally, this issue contains 6 case reports on various topics ranging from visual loss, retinal hemorrhages, and optic disc edema attributable to thiamine deficiency following bariatric surgery complicated by prolonged vomiting to heterotopic ossification of the calvarium following bilateral craniotomies in traumatic brain injury.

Throughout 2017, we will feature Ochsner's 75th anniversary logo on the cover of the Journal. In fall 2017, we are planning to publish a special celebratory issue in conjunction with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary. We are currently looking for the highest quality articles for inclusion in this issue. Manuscripts that help us recall the rich history of our organization are of particular interest. The deadline for submissions to be considered for possible inclusion in this issue is April 15, 2017.