Living liver donation represents a medical advancement, offering a lifeline to individuals facing end-stage liver disease. This altruistic act involves a healthy person donating a portion of their liver to someone in need of a transplant. The liver’s unique and extraordinary ability to regenerate allows both the donor’s remaining liver and the transplanted portion in the recipient to regrow to a functional size. This procedure addresses the shortage of deceased donor organs, providing a more immediate and often healthier option for transplant candidates.
Eligibility for Living Liver Donation
Becoming a living liver donor involves meeting criteria to ensure donor safety. Donors are typically between 18 and 60 years old. They must be in good physical and mental health, free from significant medical conditions.
Disqualifying conditions include active infections, certain cancers, heart or lung disease, and uncontrolled diabetes. Individuals with a history of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, are not eligible. A healthy body mass index (BMI), often below 32, is also required to minimize surgical complications. While a compatible blood type is preferred, paired exchanges allow incompatible donor-recipient swaps. The decision to donate must be voluntary and supported by a strong personal network.
The Living Donor Evaluation Process
Potential living liver donors undergo a multi-stage evaluation. This assessment ensures donor safety and transplant success. It begins with medical testing, including blood tests to check overall health and organ function.
Imaging studies like CT scans and MRIs visualize the liver’s anatomy and determine the safe volume for donation. Cardiac tests, such as EKG and chest X-rays, assess heart and lung health. A psychological evaluation ensures the donor is emotionally prepared and understands the risks and benefits. An Independent Donor Advocate (IDA) also meets with the donor to ensure they are fully informed.
Surgical Procedure and Recovery
Living liver donation surgery removes a portion of the donor’s liver, usually 40% to 60% for an adult recipient. The procedure takes five to eight hours under general anesthesia. Donors typically stay in the hospital for five to ten days for monitoring and initial recovery.
At home, donors experience incision pain, managed with medication, and significant fatigue. Activity restrictions include avoiding lifting over 10 to 15 pounds for several weeks. The liver’s regenerative capacity allows the remaining portion to regrow quickly, reaching about 80% of its original size within six weeks.
Life After Liver Donation
After initial recovery, most living liver donors return to normal activities and lead healthy lives. Physical recovery can take several months, with full energy returning within six months to a year. Donors have regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team for several years to monitor health and liver function.
The psychological impact of donation is positive, with many donors reporting fulfillment and purpose. Some may experience temporary fatigue, pain, or emotional changes like anxiety. These issues are usually transient, and most donors maintain good overall long-term health and quality of life.