Transplant Center

Living Liver Donor Transplant Program

Step 1: Questionnaire and Blood Testing

Questionnaire

The donor will complete an initial questionnaire that includes a series of questions regarding overall health status. Donors should not have uncontrolled high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease.

Blood Testing

(A nurse coordinator will call to inform the donor of their results and will speak with them about their interest in further testing.)

Step 2: Further Testing

Tests and Assessments

Initial consult will be with a transplant surgeon. The surgeon will explain the surgery, risks and potential complications, do a physical examination and provide ample time for questions and discussion.
The donor will complete an EKG, chest X-ray, bloodwork, and abdominal CAT Scan and CT Cholangiogram. A blood pressure check, medial history and physical examination will be completed by a transplant surgeon.
A psychosocial assessment by our transplant psychiatrist will be completed.
Evaluation by a hepatologist (medical liver specialist) will be completed on the donor.
The donors will also meet with a financial coordinator to learn about the billing procedures for donation. Typically, the transplant center and the recipient's insurance will cover the cost of the evaluation and surgery.

Additional Tests

Other tests may also be required depending on the donor's gender, age, and genetic make-up. These may include: Pap smear, mammogram, PSA, exercise stress test, pulmonary function test, and possibly a liver biopsy. If the donor is a smoker, they will be instructed to stop smoking.

Multidisciplinary Discussion

Once all of the tests are completed and the donor has been accepted, the surgery date will be established.

Step 3: Pre-Admission Testing

(Pre-admission testing will usually occur within one week of the surgery.)

Aesthesiologist

The donor will meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss the anesthesia process and answer any questions that they may have.

Recipient Surgeon & Nurse Coordinator

The donor and recipient will meet the recipient's surgeon and a nurse coordinator to discuss the surgery and will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Instructions

The donor will be instructed to stop aspirin products or other blood thinners three days prior to surgery.
If they are a smoker and have not yet stopped smoking, they will be instructed to do so.
The donor will also be given a hospital brochure with information regarding their stay, as well as information regarding surgical preparation for the night before surgery and the time and place to report on the day of surgery.

If you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services, please call 410-328-5408 or 1-800-492-5538.

This page was last updated on: February 18, 2008.