Living liver organ donation is an act of altruism that reduces the wait time for patients in need of a life-saving liver.
Living donor liver transplantation occurs when a healthy individual donates a portion of their liver to a person with end-stage liver disease. The donor’s remaining liver regenerates and within 4–8 weeks after the surgery the remaining liver grows back.
Living donor liver transplant has existed since 1989. Since then, thousands of transplants have occurred. The chance of dying from donating a liver is between 1 in 500 and 1 in 1000 (0.1 to 0.2%). In comparison, the chance of dying from donating a kidney is 3 in 10,000 (0.03%).
A living donor can be a relative, spouse or friend.
In addition, donors must:
- blood type compatible with the recipient
- between the ages of 19 and 55
- in good health and good physical condition, with a healthy weight
- free from coercion or pressure to donate
- What would disqualify someone from becoming a donor?
- a history of active hepatitis B or C
- HIV infection
- Current alcohol use disorder
- Current substance use disorder
- a recent history of cancer (individuals with some skin cancers may proceed)
- a significant medical condition such as heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes
