What is Living Liver Donation?

Living liver donation is a transplant surgery that allows a healthy person to donate a portion of their liver to someone in need. This selfless act can save lives and improve quality of life for those suffering from serious liver diseases like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).^1,2

In the United States, nearly 10,000 adults and children are in need of a healthy liver. Living liver donation can shorten the time a person spends on the liver transplant waiting list, which can be a long and stressful process.^1,2

Living liver donation has many benefits when compared to receiving a liver from a deceased donor. These benefits include:¹

• Less time waiting for a donor match
• Fewer medical problems post-transplant
• Better survival outcomes post-transplant

How does living liver donation work?

The liver is a unique organ. It is the only organ that can regrow after part of it is removed. This makes living liver donation a feasible and life-saving option.^1,2

When a person donates part of their liver, both the donated portion and the remaining part in the donor's body can grow back to full size within 4 months after surgery. In time, the liver will also regain full function.^1,2

Here is how it works: During the surgery, a portion of the donor’s liver is removed and transplanted into the patient in need (also called the recipient). The specific portion taken from the donor is carefully planned to ensure it is the right size for the recipient and that the donor will have enough liver left to return to normal function.¹

The surgeon makes an incision in the donor's stomach to access the liver, removes the necessary portion, and then closes the incision. The recipient’s diseased liver is removed, and the donated liver is placed into their body. The surgeon connects the donated liver to blood vessels and the bile duct. After making sure the liver is working, they close the incision.¹

Who can be a living liver donor?

Living liver donors are healthy adults who wish to donate to a family member, friend, or stranger in need (non-directed donation).³

The first step is determining whether a person meets a number of criteria. These criteria include:^1-4

• Good physical health – Donors must be in good overall health with no medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery. Potential donors must complete a number of health screenings, such as a pap smear, mammogram (for women over 40), and colonoscopy (for people over 50).
• Healthy liver – The donor’s liver must be functioning well, with no evidence of liver disease. Blood and imaging tests are done to confirm the liver is healthy.
• Mentally stable – Living donors must undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they are mentally prepared for the procedure and its implications.

Matching with a donor

Donors and recipients need to be compatible in terms of blood type, liver size, and age. Donors and recipients each have their own transplant teams to guide them through the transplant process.¹

Sometimes, a family member or friend who wishes to donate is not a perfect match for the recipient. But they may be a match for someone else in need. This is when a liver paired donation can be considered. Paired donation programs match donors and recipients with other pairs who are in the same situation. These are also called liver swaps.^1,5

What to expect from living liver donation

Here is what you can expect from a living liver donation.

For the donor:^3,4

• Hospital stay – Expect to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.
• Pain and discomfort – Some pain and discomfort at the incision site are normal. Pain medicine can help manage any pain.
• Recovery time – Donors are advised to avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 6 weeks. And it is best to avoid strenuous activities. Full recovery can take up to 3 to 6 months.
• Follow-up care – Donors are closely monitored following surgery to monitor their liver and overall health.

For the recipient:^1,2

• Immediate benefits – As the new liver begins functioning, recipients often feel a big difference in their health.
• Hospital stay – Recipients typically stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days, to ensure that the new liver is working well.
• Lifelong care – To prevent liver rejection, recipients will need to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives.

Talk with your transplant team

Living liver donation is a profound gift that can transform lives. It is also a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. The rewards of giving someone a second chance at life are immense.³

If you are considering becoming a living liver donor, reach out to a transplant center. They can help you to understand the full scope of the process and ensure it is the right decision for you.³