Liver Transplant Expertise

Les Thiery, of Hartford, endured gastrointestinal problems for decades. His main challenge was ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes painful ulcers in the large intestine. 

Nearly 20 years ago, Les had his colon removed and reconstructed through a surgery at an out-of-state hospital. This procedure resolved his colitis, but frequent diarrhea, bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort remained a norm in his life. 

Seeking relief, Les began working 10 years ago with a team of Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin specialists. 

Coordinated Care

At Froedtert Hospital, the academic medical center of the Froedtert & MCW health network, Les met with Daniel Stein, MD, gastroenterologist and MCW faculty member. Dr. Stein developed a care plan to address his intestinal issues, but from the outset he recognized that Les needed additional expertise.

 “When we first saw Les, we noticed he had elevated liver enzymes,” Dr. Stein said. “We immediately referred him for a more in-depth evaluation of the liver.” 

Les saw Kia Saeian, MD, hepatologist and MCW faculty member. Dr. Saeian diagnosed Les with primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, which is a narrowing of the liver’s bilary system. 

“Essentially, PSC is a narrowing in the plumbing system of the liver,” Dr. Saeian said. “This leads to elevation in liver enzymes, particularly bilirubin.”

Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. However, high levels of bilirubin are toxic and can indicate a problem with the liver, bile ducts or both. 

Dr. Saeian developed a plan to manage Les’ liver issues. At the same time, Dr. Stein kept a close eye on Les’ ongoing intestinal symptoms and helped him maintain gastrointestinal function. Working as a team, they monitored Les for several years and helped him maintain his quality of life. 

But in 2024, Les’ liver numbers started to increase, and he developed severe jaundice. 

“Within one month, his bilirubin levels went up to 2.6 (normal <1) and then to 6.4 and then to 28,” Dr. Saeian said. “That’s an extremely high level.” 

During this period, Les was taken to the Emergency Department several times and was even hospitalized. As his condition progressed from concerning to critical, his care team decided it was time to consider the next step. 

Rapid Action

National data shows that the Froedtert & MCW End-Stage Liver Disease and Liver Transplant Program offers consistent excellence in liver transplant outcomes that meet or exceed national benchmarks¹. This is the result of strong collaboration between surgeons, physician specialists, transplant nurses and other care team members. 

After Les was reviewed by the transplant committee, things moved quickly. He was approved for transplant by the end of July and was on the waitlist by the middle of August. Before the month was out, Les received a phone call letting him know a donor organ was available.   

Les had his transplant surgery in early September 2024. The operation proceeded without complications, and he was admitted to the Transplant ICU. 

Smooth Recovery

Four days after his surgery, Les was already on his feet and walking around the care unit. Altogether, he spent just one week in the hospital. Prior to his transplant, Les’ health was declining, and the goal was to find a suitable liver as soon as possible. 

“In transplant, time is of the essence,” Dr. Saeian said. “Les was connected with us for a decade, so it was easier to get him through the transplant process more quickly and not miss any opportunity.” 

Today, at age 62, Les is doing well and back tinkering in his garage. 

“I’m always working on stuff — snowmobiles, motorcycles, cars,” he said. “I have a Jeep and an ’89 Mustang that we work on.” 

He enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, their adult son and their group of close friends. And he is grateful for the team-based care he received at Froedtert Hospital. 

“I still say every day that we were so fortunate,” Les said. “The transplant went so well and my whole care team was amazing.”

¹Data from Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients.