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Transplantation
LiverTransplant
- Living Liver Donor Program
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In March 2000, the program performed its first living donor liver transplant. Led by Dr. David Grant, Director of Transplant Surgery, the living donor liver program presents an exciting option for patients awaiting liver transplant. Living donation can significantly reduce the waiting time for liver transplant candidates and has the advantage of ensuring that the surgery is thoroughly planned and prepared for by recipient, donor, and transplant team.
Living donors will have one lobe of the liver removed and transplanted into the recipient. The recipient's complete diseased liver is removed during the surgery. The transplanted lobe will eventually regenerate enough tissue to function at a satisfactory level for the recipient. The remaining liver tissue within the donor will also regenerate tissue, continuing to function normally for the living donor.
Significant assessment, preparation, and planning is required to successfully coordinate living donor liver transplantation. Living donors must be: a blood relative, spouse or friend who shares a compatible blood group with the patient; between the ages of 18 and 60 years; in good health and a suitable match; freely willing to donate.
Living donor liver transplant patients are evaluated by an Assessment Coordinator and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and will receive followup care after surgery by our Liver Transplant Coordinators. The patients are also supported by members of the multidisciplinary team.
