Lexington, KY, January 22, 2026
The University of Kentucky Transplant Center has achieved a remarkable milestone by performing 234 organ transplants, surpassing last year’s total. This includes an unprecedented 80 liver transplants, reflecting significant growth across all organ categories and establishing the center among the top third of transplant facilities nationally. The program’s innovation and commitment to patient care have contributed to this success, offering new chances at life for over 200 individuals in need of transplants.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Transplant Center achieved a record-breaking 234 organ transplants in 2025, surpassing the previous year’s total of 224. This performance places the center among the top third of transplant centers nationwide based on volume.
The transplant team conducted 119 kidney transplants, including 38 from living donors; 80 liver transplants; 20 heart transplants; 14 lung transplants; and one combined kidney/pancreas transplant. All organ categories experienced an increase in procedures compared to 2024.
The liver transplant program set a new benchmark with 80 transplants performed, marking the highest number ever achieved at UK HealthCare and in Kentucky within a single year. Since its inception in 1995, the program has facilitated over 1,300 life-saving liver transplants. This success is attributed to increased patient access, outreach, and advanced technology that allows for the recovery of more donor organs from a broader geographic area.
In 2025, more than 200 individuals received life-saving transplants at UK HealthCare’s Transplant Center, including a record 80 liver recipients. This milestone underscores the center’s commitment to providing critical care and second chances to patients in need.
The UK Transplant Center’s achievements reflect its ongoing dedication to advancing transplant medicine and improving patient outcomes, solidifying its position as a leading institution in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UK Transplant Center’s recent achievement?
The UK Transplant Center performed a record-breaking 234 organ transplants in 2025, surpassing the previous year’s total of 224. This performance places the center among the top third of transplant centers nationwide based on volume.
How many kidney transplants were performed?
The transplant team conducted 119 kidney transplants, including 38 from living donors.
What is the significance of the liver transplant program’s performance?
The liver transplant program set a new benchmark with 80 transplants performed, marking the highest number ever achieved at UK HealthCare and in Kentucky within a single year. Since its inception in 1995, the program has facilitated over 1,300 life-saving liver transplants.
How many individuals received life-saving transplants at UK HealthCare’s Transplant Center in 2025?
In 2025, more than 200 individuals received life-saving transplants at UK HealthCare’s Transplant Center, including a record 80 liver recipients.
What does this achievement signify for the UK Transplant Center?
The UK Transplant Center’s achievements reflect its ongoing dedication to advancing transplant medicine and improving patient outcomes, solidifying its position as a leading institution in the field.
Key Features of the UK Transplant Center’s 2025 Achievements
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Organ Transplants | 234 |
| Kidney Transplants | 119 (38 from living donors) |
| Liver Transplants | 80 |
| Heart Transplants | 20 |
| Lung Transplants | 14 |
| Combined Kidney/Pancreas Transplant | 1 |
| National Ranking | Top third of transplant centers based on volume |
| Liver Transplant Milestone | 80 transplants in 2025, over 1,300 since 1995 |


