Have you ever thought that a living person could save another person's life by donating a part of their body? It is indeed possible. Only one organ in our body has this amazing ability. That is our liver . The special thing about the liver is that when a part of it is removed, the remaining part has the amazing ability to grow back and become a complete liver. Because of this, a healthy person can donate a small part of their liver to someone who is helpless and whose liver is not functioning. This is truly a miracle.
What is living liver donation?
Simply put, this is two surgeries that happen at the same time. One for a healthy person who donates their liver (the donor), and the other for the patient who receives the transplant. If you are a donor, a surgeon removes a portion of your liver (usually a lobe ) and transplants it into the patient right away. In a child, an even smaller portion is taken. After this surgery is successful, your remaining liver and the transplanted liver regrow within a few months to become two complete, healthy livers. The wonder here is that there is one healthy liver, two healthy livers.
Can I also be a liver donor?
If you and your liver are in good health, you may have a chance to save a life by becoming a liver donor. However, it may not always be possible to donate a liver to someone you know. This is because your blood type and liver size must match the patient.
Imagine that you want to help one of your relatives, but your blood type is not compatible with them. Even so, there is nothing to worry about. You can donate a part of your liver to a stranger. Then, not only will that person on the waiting list gain life, but your relative will also have a better chance of receiving a liver from another compatible donor on the list. In other words, you are doing a great deed.
What are the qualifications to become a liver donor?
When you volunteer to become a donor, a medical team will thoroughly examine you. This is to ensure that you are completely fit and healthy. You must meet the following qualifications.
| Eligibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | You must be between the ages of 18 and 60. Those younger or older cannot apply for this. |
| Drug/alcohol use | There should be a history of no alcohol or drug use. These directly affect liver health. |
| Good physical health | You must be in good physical health to withstand surgery. This is confirmed through blood tests and heart tests. |
| A healthy liver | You may have liver disease without even realizing it. That's why special tests are performed to ensure that your liver is 100% healthy. |
| Good mental health | You need to have a good understanding of the risks and sacrifices involved in this process. This decision cannot be made under the coercion of anyone. |
| Lack of money or profit | It is illegal to accept money or other gifts for donating an organ. Your donation must be 100% voluntary. |
How does the process of becoming a contributor work?
First, you need to talk to a coordinator at a hospital that performs liver transplant surgery of your choice. They will take some basic information from you and answer your questions. If they think you are a suitable candidate, they will ask you to come to the hospital for further tests.
There you will have to meet with various specialist doctors.
- Anesthesiologist
- A doctor who specializes in liver diseases (Hepatologist)
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Transplant surgeon
After all these tests and discussions, two independent medical teams will review you. One team will focus solely on your safety. If they approve you, they will refer you to a liver transplant selection committee. That committee will make the final decision.
Who will receive the liver part I donate?
You can donate your liver to someone you know. It's called "Directed Donation." But for that, the blood type and liver size must match. If they don't, you can go for a method called "Paired Exchange." That is, you and another donor who is a match for a relative like you will exchange their livers.
Or, you can donate your liver to someone you don't know at all. This is called a "Non-directed Donation." The hospital will then select the most suitable person from the waiting list. You can remain anonymous and meet the patient if both parties agree.
What happens during surgery?
You and the recipient will be taken to the operating room at the same time. While one surgical team removes part of your liver, another team will remove the patient's dysfunctional liver and prepare the new part for transplantation. Your surgery will take about 4-6 hours, while the patient's surgery will take longer. You will be given general anesthesia , so you will not feel anything.
The surgery can be done in two ways:
- Laparoscopic surgery: This is a procedure where a camera is inserted through a few small incisions, rather than a large incision. This results in less recovery time and less pain.
- Open abdominal surgery : In cases where the keyhole method is not possible, this surgery is performed through a 6-12 inch long incision in the abdomen.
The medical team will carefully remove the pre-determined portion of your liver, separated from the blood vessels and bile ducts. Then, while the section is transplanted into the patient, your surgery will be completed and the incisions will be sewn up.
What are the benefits and risks of this type of donation?
This is a noble sacrifice to save a life. But like all surgeries, there are risks involved. It is important to be aware of these as well.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
|
|
Can I donate my liver twice?
No. This is a once-in-a-lifetime procedure. Even if the liver regrows, undergoing a second surgery is too much stress for your liver to handle. That's why doctors won't allow you to donate a second time.
How is the recovery time?
After surgery, your life will gradually return to normal.
- First week: You will stay in the hospital. During this time, you will be given things like painkillers and saline. You will gradually start walking and eating.
- After 2-3 weeks: You will be able to drive a vehicle.
- Between 2-6 weeks: The incisions are completely healed.
- After 6-8 weeks: You can return to normal activities.
- After 2-3 months: Your liver will have grown back to full size.
Your surgeon will be constantly examining you and giving you the necessary advice throughout this time. Making a decision like this is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life. So, talk to your doctor about any questions, any fears, or concerns you may have. They are there to ensure your safety and help you make this decision with confidence.
Take-Home Message
- Donating a liver while alive is a noble act that can save a life.
- Our liver has the amazing ability to regenerate itself. Both the donor and recipient livers recover within a few months.
- Before you become a donor, you undergo a very rigorous medical examination. Your safety is their most important concern.
- Understand that this surgery has its benefits, but it also carries some risks. Talk openly with your doctor about everything.
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime sacrifice.
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