But it is possible to live with only part of your liver. Liver Regeneration The liver is the only organ in your body that can regenerate itself, or grow back, after damage or surgical removal.
Living-Donor Liver Transplants Because your liver grows back, you can actually donate a piece of your liver to someone else. Living-donor liver transplants are possible for both adults and children. How to Become a Living Liver Donor With more than 15, people waiting for a liver transplant, living-donor liver transplants save lives. To be a living liver donor, you must: Be between the ages of 18 and 55 Be in good general health Have no history of: Liver disease — including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C Heart disease Diabetes HIV Other diseases that could complicate the surgery, including some cancers and obesity Get more details about living-donor liver transplants at UPMC.
Never Miss a Beat! We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Thanks to living liver donation , however, more people have the opportunity to live longer and better than ever before.
The liver is the only organ in the body that can grow back if a part of it is removed. Liver function returns even faster, within just one week after living donation. All living donors must complete a qualifying phone interview followed by a complete in-person donor evaluation, which includes blood tests and medical imaging. In general, candidates must:. Living liver donation surgery generally requires a five- to seven-day hospital stay.
The most common causes are:. The other type of liver failure is known as chronic liver failure. This overall liver deterioration is often due to things like:.
Depending on your health and the health of your liver, you may be a candidate for a liver transplant , a surgery in which a diseased liver is removed and replaced with a piece of or an entire healthy one from a donor. The person would have signed a donor organ card before their death. The organ may also be donated postmortem with the consent of the family. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that most donated livers come from deceased donors.
In this process, someone who is still alive — often a family member or close friend — agrees to donate part of their healthy liver. One study found that of 6, liver transplants performed in , only 4 percent were from living donors.
Your doctor may recommend an orthotopic or heterotopic transplant. In an orthotopic transplant, the diseased liver is entirely removed and replaced with a healthy donor liver or segment of liver.
In a heterotopic transplant, the damaged liver is left in place and a healthy liver or segment of liver is put in. While orthotopic transplants are the most common, a heterotopic one may be suggested if:. A doctor may opt for a heterotopic transplant if your liver failure is caused by a genetic condition that future gene research may find a cure or viable treatment for.
With your liver intact, you may be able to take advantage of these new advances. In fact, one transplant surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh estimates that you only need 25 to 30 percent of your liver to maintain normal functions. Over time, the liver will grow to about its normal size.
People who receive a liver from a deceased donor tend to get transplanted with the entire organ. Most people who need a liver transplant spend months or years waiting for an organ donation from a deceased donor.
Living liver donation is a better option for those with end-stage liver disease because it ensures these patients get a life-saving organ transplant when they need it. Your liver is an incredible organ. It actually regrows to its original size within six months of a living liver donation surgery. Like any surgery, the procedure does have some risks. But overall, living liver donation is safe. Our team will always act in your best interests and safety as a donor.
It takes about six months for your liver to fully grow back after a living liver donation surgery. Some of the testing you will have includes blood tests, urine tests, imaging exams of your liver, and cancer screening. In fact, you can donate to family and even friends as long as you have a close emotional connection with your recipient.
Besides being healthy, living donors must have a compatible blood type with their liver recipient.
0コメント