History

The University Hospital became the first hospital in Ohio to perform an adult living related donor liver transplant on March 1, 1999, when a son donated a portion of his liver to his mother. Currently, there are only 50 centers worldwide that perform this type of liver transplant.

Introduction

Donating a portion of your liver to a loved one is a significant gift that requires both a physical and emotional commitment from the donor. It is imperative that the donor, patient, family members and the transplant team maintain open lines of communication at all times. It is also important that the donor has a basic understanding of the donation process.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why living liver donation?

The waiting list for a cadaver liver continues to grow in our community and across the country. The longer the waiting list, the longer patients must wait for a transplant. Patients are on the list for months and sometimes years depending on their condition, diagnosis, status, blood type and size. However, the waiting time can be virtually eliminated for the patient if a relative or loved one meets the criteria to donate.

Who qualifies as a living liver donor?

A living related liver donor can be a parent, sibling or child of the recipient who is over the age of 18, or another blood-related family member. Unrelated donors must be an "emotionally" related significant other. For example, an unrelated donor might be a spouse, close friend, adoptive parent, adopted child or in-law.

Who pays for the liver donor's medical evaluation, surgery and follow-up care?

Most costs for the living donor are covered by the recipient's insurance coverage. However, this may vary with individual insurance payers. If you have questions about payment, please ask to speak to one of our financial counselors, and they will be happy to assist you.

What criteria must a person meet to be a living liver donor?

The donor must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 55 and consent to the donation

• Have a compatible blood type (a donor with type O blood can donate to all other blood types)

• Not have any medical problems that would increase the risk of surgery

• Have an appropriate caregiver after surgery (including someone to assist with transportation)

• Have negative hepatitis and HIV test results

• Be size compatible (height and weight)

• Not have any significant psychiatric history

What is the evaluation process for the donor?

1. Once the recipient has been referred to The University Hospital Liver Transplant Program, financial counselors will work with the patient to verify insurance coverage for living related and unrelated donation.

2. After the insurance coverage is verified, a questionnaire will be sent to the potential donor. The questionnaire must be completed and returned to the liver transplant office along with documentation of the potential donor's blood type.

3. Once the office receives the questionnaire, an appointment will be set for the recipient, potential donor and the family to meet with the transplant surgeon, a coordinator and a social worker to discuss the surgery. At that time, the potential donor will be scheduled for tests including blood work, urine test, CXR, EKG, CT of the abdomen, angiogram and a liver biopsy (if necessary).

4. Once testing is complete, an appointment will be scheduled so that the hepatologist can review the test results with the potential donor. The transplant hepatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating liver problems. In addition, the medical social worker will perform a psychosocial assessment to complete the evaluation process.

5. Information about the recipient will be presented to the Multidisciplinary Liver Transplant Team for approval. This includes information about the potential donor and his or her evaluation and test results. If approved through this hospital committee, the recipient information will be sent to the Ohio Solid Organ Transplant Consortium for state approval.

6. Once the recipient is approved by the state and listed by UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), the recipient and donor will be scheduled for a final visit with the transplant surgeon, social worker and coordinator to prepare for the surgery. At that time, the date and time of surgery and pre-operative instructions will be provided.

Are there any risks with surgery?

A thorough medical evaluation of the potential donor is always performed to minimize any potential risks. There are the usual risks and pain associated with any surgery, but the transplant surgeon will discuss these with the living donor and his or her family.

How long is recovery?

The average length of stay for the donor is seven to 10 days. Usually, the donor will be able to resume normal activity within six weeks.

How and when is surgery scheduled?

It is best to schedule the surgery when both the recipient and donor are in the best physical condition possible. The time of surgery is also dependent on the donor's and recipient's schedules and the availability of the surgeon.

What happens during surgery and how long does it take?

During surgery, the right lobe (or in some cases the left lobe) is removed from the donor and placed into the recipient. The operation usually takes four to five hours. Within three months, both lobes of the liver in the recipient and donor grow back to their original size.

If I am interested in becoming a liver donor candidate, what should I do first?

If you have a loved one in need and are interested in donating, contact The University Hospital Liver Transplant Office at 513-584-9999 to request a living related liver donor questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire and return it to the liver transplant office with documentation of your blood type. When the office receives this information, you will be contacted by one of the liver transplant coordinators who will assist you throughout the process.

If you have further questions or would like more information about becoming a living liver donor, please call The University Hospital Liver Transplant Office at 513-584-9999.

	In 1999, Harold became the second living related liver donor in Ohio. Harold was given the opportunity to give his son, Ian, a very special gift--a future. read more...