Canary Islands Liver Transplant Unit Marks 30 Years of Medical Excellence
The Liver Transplant Unit at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria is celebrating 30 years of excellence, having performed 936 life-saving procedures since its inception in 1996.
The Liver Transplant Unit at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking a significant achievement for public healthcare in Spain. Since it began in 1996, the unit has performed 936 transplants, establishing itself as the center for complex surgery in the Canary Islands.
The program’s success goes beyond the numbers. Improvements in surgical techniques have made procedures more efficient, reducing the need for blood transfusions and shortening time in the operating room. These advancements, alongside new immunosuppressive medications and the use of organs from donors after circulatory death, have significantly improved the outlook for patients who previously faced a life expectancy of only one to three years. Supported by a team of over 100 professionals, the unit has successfully treated a diverse group of patients, with an even split between men and women ranging from 14 to 72 years old.
The hospital’s high standards have earned it national recognition, including the AENOR UNE 179008 quality certification in 2018—making it only the second hospital in Spain to receive it—and the Civil Order of Health award in 2003. Looking to the future, the hospital is also leading the way in patient care by adopting the GEMA model in February 2025. This innovative statistical tool allows for more precise prioritization of transplant candidates compared to traditional methods.
At a recent anniversary event attended by health officials and specialists, speakers honored the project’s founder, Dr. Arturo Soriano, and emphasized the ongoing need for public awareness regarding organ donation. Donation remains the essential foundation of the program, which saw its busiest year in 2016 with 51 procedures. By combining clinical care with scientific research and training, the unit continues to be a vital resource for treating serious conditions like liver cancer, cirrhosis, and various metabolic diseases for the people of the Canary Islands.