Can you donate a liver when alive?
My cousin's liver is failing, and we're exploring all options, including living donation. I know kidneys can be donated by living people, but can you donate a liver when alive? Is it safe for the donor?
5 answers
6 months ago
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Yes, you can absolutely donate a part of your liver while alive because it has the amazing ability to grow back! However, you must eat a very clean, nutrient-rich, low-fat diet before and after the surgery to help your liver regenerate safely and quickly.
5 months ago
Yes, living liver donation is very common, but be prepared for the timeline. The screening process takes at least a couple of weeks, and the recovery post-surgery will require you to take at least 6 to 8 weeks off from work. Plan your leaves and finances accordingly.
9 months ago
Oh, the thought of donating a part of an organ while alive sounds so terrifying, I would honestly be sweating thinking about it! But medically, it is a very established procedure and the liver grows back to almost normal size in a few months. Sending you lots of strength!
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Consult a gastroenterologist
yrs exp
6 months ago
Yes, you can. It's called living liver donation, where they transplant a lobe of your liver, and it fully regenerates in both you and the recipient within a few months. If you are fit, go consult a transplant surgeon at a top-tier hospital to get the process started.
5 months ago
I completely understand how overwhelming and scary it feels to think about living organ donation. It is totally normal to feel anxious about such a major surgery. Just know that hospitals perform this with extreme care, and only after ensuring the donor is 100% safe.