Rare Triple Organ Transplant Saves Man

A rare triple organ transplant has saved a Tampa man with diabetes and cancer.

Louie Olivarez was the first person to receive the pancreas-liver-kidney transplant recently at Tampa General Hospital. The 43-year-old said at a press conference Wednesday that he wasn't sure "how to respond to such a great gift."

The procedure was spread out over two days late last month. It involved a medical team of as many as 75 health care professionals.

Olivarez was on the transplant waiting list for only four days, and officials say it was extremely unusual to have all three organs available so quickly.

Tampa General officials said multiple transplants involving other organ combinations are more common.