Liver donation?

[curiosity]

I was just wondering...

I know you can survive with only a section of your liver so can you be a live donor?

Somebody close to me has liver failure and I was wondering if it was possible to donate part of my liver to them? Or is this not possible?

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

[KarenRL]

Yes. It is possible. However, you would need to be a match and there would be risks involved for you, as the donor. So, it's certainly a decision you want to consider carefully. Living donors make up a relatively small percentage of all liver transplants. From what I've read, it's because transplant patients tend to have better outcomes when they receive the entire liver versus just a piece of the liver.

[number1]

the liver regenerates itself and is also the largest internal organ despite the fact it does 500 jobs a day is amazing

[elle-boop]

Hi, It is possible to donate a part of your liver. There are some serious risks to consider and you will need to be matched to the recipient and they will have to want you to donate to them. You will need to undergo some health checks also. I was just wondering if your friend who is sick has had a diagnosis yet to determine what the cause of the liver failure is? Are they on any treatment? Have they been told that a liver transplant will be necessary in the near future?

It's a lovely thing that you are thinking of helping in this way and your friend is very fortunate to have this kind of support.

Elle x

[curiosity]

Hi, yes they've been put on medication and are being assessed soon to be put on the transplant list but I know it will be very unlikely that he will get a transplant because it was self inflicted liver failure due to alcohol abuse. From what I know, I think he is in the later stages of complete liver failure so I don't even know of a donation would help!

Thanks everyone for the answers! Xx

[ShenDan in reply to curiosity]

Hi Curiosity,

I'm in a similar position to you...I want to offer to be a live donor to a family member - I am still in the 'research' stage, trying to find out as much as I can before I offer to go for it - did you progress any further with your query? I really hope that your friend (and you) is not suffering too much.

With love,

SD xx