Living-Donor Transplant

A living-donor transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy organ or part of an organ is donated by a living person to someone in need of a transplant.

Types of Living-Donor Transplants

• Kidney transplant: This is the most common type of living-donor transplant. One kidney is removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient.
• Liver transplant: A portion of the liver is removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient. The liver has the ability to regenerate, so both the donor and recipient can have a fully functioning liver after the surgery.
• Lung transplant: A lobe of lung is removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient.
• Pancreas transplant: A portion of the pancreas is removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient.
• Intestine transplant: A portion of the intestine is removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient.

Benefits of Living-Donor Transplant

• Shorter waiting time: Recipients of living-donor transplants typically do not have to wait as long for a transplant as those waiting for a deceased-donor organ.
• Better match: Living donors can be matched more closely to the recipient, reducing the risk of rejection.
• Lower risk of disease transmission: There is less risk of transmitting diseases such as hepatitis or HIV from a living donor than from a deceased donor.
• Improved outcomes: Living-donor transplants have been shown to have better outcomes and longer survival rates compared to deceased-donor transplants.

Risks and Complications for the Donor

• Surgical risks: As with any surgery, there are risks of complications such as bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia.
• Organ damage: There is a risk of damage to the donor's remaining organ or other organs during the surgery.
• Long-term health effects: Some donors may experience long-term health effects such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease after donating an organ.

Risks and Complications for the Recipient

• Rejection: The recipient's immune system may reject the transplanted organ, which can be treated with immunosuppressive medications.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection after the transplant, particularly in the first few months.
• Organ failure: There is a risk that the transplanted organ may fail, requiring another transplant or dialysis.

Donor Evaluation and Selection

Potential living donors undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery and that the donation will not put them at risk. The evaluation includes:

• Medical history and physical exam
• Laboratory tests, such as blood work and urinalysis
• Imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI
• Psychological evaluation

Post-Transplant Care

After the transplant, both the donor and recipient require close monitoring and follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes:

• Medications to prevent rejection and infection
• Regular laboratory tests and imaging studies
• Follow-up appointments with the transplant team

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a living-donor transplant?
A surgical procedure where a healthy organ or part of an organ is donated from one person to another.

Who can be a living donor?
Typically, a family member or close friend with a matching blood type and compatible organ.

What organs can be donated by a living donor?
Kidney, liver, lung, intestine, or pancreas.

Is the donor surgery risky?
Yes, as with any major surgery, there are risks and potential complications.

How long does the donor recovery take?
Several weeks to several months, depending on the organ donated.

Can a living donor donate more than one organ?
Rarely, usually only one organ or part of an organ is donated.

Are living donors paid for their donation?
No, it is illegal to pay someone for donating an organ.

How is the donor matched with the recipient?
Through blood tests and medical evaluations to ensure compatibility.

What are the benefits of a living-donor transplant?
Shorter wait times, better organ match, and improved recipient outcomes.

Is the living-donor transplant procedure reversible?
No, once the donation is made, it cannot be reversed.