Giving the gift of health and life to a family member, friend or even a stranger can be the greatest gift a person can give. With recent advances in surgical technology, it is now possible for living organ donors to give part of their livers to patients in desperate need, which can save their lives.
History
The first human liver transplant occurred in 1963 and was performed by Dr. Thomas Starzl. However, it was not until 1967 that the first "successful" transplant was performed. Though it was a short-term success, this surgery paved the way for more advances in transplant technology. By 2000, at least 275 living liver donor transplants had taken place in the U.S. There are significantly more patients waiting for liver donors than there are livers available, so living donors are especially important in filling that need.
Types
Adult-to-adult liver donation takes place when a living adult donor gives a right portion of his liver to an adult recipient. Adult-to-child donations are also possible, when a left portion of liver is given to a young recipient. In living donor liver donations, a part of a healthy liver is surgically removed from a living donor and transplanted to a patient in need. In cadaveric donation, a whole or partial liver is taken from a deceased organ donor and transplanted to a patient in need.
Considerations
In order to become a living liver donor, a person must go through an extensive evaluation process that includes blood typing, tissue typing, and to prove that they are in optimal medical condition. Blood type between donors and recipients does not need to be an exact match but does need to be compatible. A donor who has diseases such as diabetes, hepatitis or HIV/AIDS may not be an eligible donor.
Features
With a living donor, usually a part of a healthy liver is used to replace an entire liver that is unable to function. This piece of healthy liver will regenerate to 100 percent within six weeks and will function as a complete liver for the recipient.
Misconceptions
Though progress with surgical techniques and technology has improved since the first transplants were done, not all liver transplants are completely successful. In fact the percentage of patients who survive one year after a transplant is 80 to 85 percent, and the survival rate for over 15 years is only 58 percent.
Warning
Living organ donors may be at risk for blood clots and problems that may arise from surgical incisions such as infections. They usually are hospitalized for at least a week after the surgery and may need a blood transfusion. Once they leave the hospital it can take up to three months to fully recover from the operation and the loss of part of a liver. There is a slim chance of more serious complications, though the risk to the life of the donor is only 1 percent or less.
