Transplant Center
Living Liver Donor Transplant Program
Living Liver Donor Evaluation Process
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
- The donor will be tested for blood type compatibility.
(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, medical 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.)
Anesthesiologist
- 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.
July 21, 2009.
Click to Print
Print Preview
