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Les Tearlies 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.
Almost 20 years ago, Les removed his colon and reconstructed it through surgery at an out-of-state hospital. This procedure resolved his colitis, but frequent diarrhea, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort remained the norms of his life.
In search of relief, Les began working with Flotta's team and a team of specialists at Wisconsin Medical College 10 years ago.
Adjusted care
At Froedtert Hospital, the academic medical center at Froedtert & MCW Health Network, Les met with Daniel Stein, MD, gastroenterologists and MCW faculty. Dr. Stein developed a care plan to address his intestinal problems, but from the start he realized that LES needed additional expertise.
“When I first saw Les, I noticed that the enzymes in my liver were rising,” Dr. Stein said. “We immediately introduced him with a more detailed assessment of the liver.”
Les saw Kia Saeian, MD, liver scientist, and MCW faculty. Dr. Saeian diagnosed primary sclerotic cholangitis or PSC and LES, which is a stenosis of the villary system of the liver.
“Essentially, PSC is a stenosis in the liver plumbing system,” Dr. Saeian said. “This leads to an increase in liver enzymes, especially bilirubin.”
Bilirubin is a natural by-product of red blood cells breakdown. However, high levels of bilirubin are toxic and can present problems in the liver, bile duct, or both.
Dr. Saeian has developed a plan to manage Les' liver problems. At the same time, Dr. Stein paid attention to ongoing intestinal symptoms of LES and helped maintain gastrointestinal function. Working as a team, they monitored LES for several years, helping him maintain his quality of life.
However, in 2024, the number of liver in Ley began to increase, developing severe yellowund.
“Within a month, his bilirubin level rose to 2.6 (normal <1), then to 6.4 and then to 28," Dr. Saeian said. "That's on a very high level."
During this period, LES was taken to the emergency department several times and was hospitalized. As his condition progresses critically from concern, his care team decided it was time to consider the next step.
Quick action
National data show that Froedtert & MCW terminal liver disease and liver transplant programmes offer consistent excellence in liver transplant outcomes that meet or exceed national benchmarks1. This is the result of strong cooperation between surgeons, physician specialists, transplant nurses and other care team members.
Things quickly moved after the LES was reviewed by the Transplant Committee. He was approved for the transplant by the end of July and was on the waitlist by mid-August. Before the moon came out, Les received a call to let him know that the donor's organs were available.
LES underwent transplant surgery in early September 2024. The surgery progressed without complications and was admitted to the transplant ICU.
Smooth recovery
Four days after the surgery, Les had already stood up and roamed the care unit. Overall, he only spent a week in the hospital. Before his transplant, Les' health was declining and his goal was to find the right liver as soon as possible.
“In a transplant, time is essential,” Dr. Saeian said. “Les had been connected with us for 10 years so we went through the porting process more quickly and we couldn't miss an opportunity.”
Today, at age 62, Res is on track and tinkering around in the garage.
“I'm always working on snowmobiles, motorcycles, cars, etc,” he said. “I have the Jeep and the '89 Mustang that we're working on.”
He enjoys spending time with his wife Melissa, his adult son and a group of close friends. And he is grateful for the team-based care he received at Froedtert Hospital.
“We still say we were very fortunate,” Les said. “The transplant worked really well and my whole care team was amazing.”
Scientific registry of 1DATA transplant recipients.
