Can a living person donate a liver for transplantation?

No, a living person cannot donate an entire liver for transplantation. The liver is a vital organ, and a complete liver donation from a living person would pose significant risks to the donor's health and well-being. However, it is possible for a living person to donate a portion of their liver for transplantation through a procedure known as living donor liver transplantation. Living donor liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure where a healthy individual donates a portion of their liver to a recipient in need. The liver has the remarkable ability to regenerate, so both the donated portion and the remaining portion in the donor's body can grow back to their original size within a few months after the surgery. Living donor liver transplantation is usually considered when there is a shortage of deceased donor organs or when the recipient's condition is critical and waiting for a deceased donor liver may not be feasible. The procedure carries certain risks for the donor, as it involves major surgery and anesthesia. Extensive evaluation and careful screening of potential donors are conducted to ensure their safety and compatibility with the recipient. It's important to note that living donor liver transplantation is a complex and specialized procedure performed in specialized transplant centers by experienced medical teams. If you or someone you know is considering liver transplantation, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals and transplant specialists to understand the risks, benefits, and eligibility criteria associated with living donation. What are the criteria for being eligible for a liver transplant? The criteria for liver transplant eligibility can vary slightly depending on the transplant center and the specific circumstances of each patient. However, there are general guidelines and common criteria used to assess a patient's suitability for a liver transplant. These criteria typically include the following: Liver Disease Severity: The primary indication for a liver transplant is end-stage liver disease, where the liver's function is severely compromised and other treatment options are no longer effective. The severity of liver disease is often evaluated using scoring systems such as the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) or Child-Pugh score. Underlying Cause: The underlying cause of liver disease plays a role in determining transplant eligibility. Certain conditions such as chronic hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and genetic liver diseases may be considered appropriate indications for a liver transplant. Medical Stability: Candidates for liver transplantation should be medically stable enough to undergo major surgery and tolerate the post-transplant recovery process. This includes assessing the overall health status, absence of active infections, and absence of significant heart, lung, or kidney dysfunction that would increase the risks associated with the surgery. Absence of Contraindications: Certain conditions or factors may be considered contraindications for liver transplantation. These can include active substance abuse or alcoholism, uncontrolled psychiatric conditions, active infections such as HIV or hepatitis with high viral loads, certain types of cancers, and severe pulmonary hypertension. Social Support: Liver transplant recipients require significant post-transplant care and support. Transplant centers evaluate the presence of a strong social support system, including family or friends who can assist with the recovery process, provide emotional support, and help with adhering to post-transplant medications and follow-up visits. Evaluation Process: Before being listed for a liver transplant, candidates undergo a thorough evaluation that includes a comprehensive medical assessment, blood tests, imaging studies, psychological evaluation, and consultation with various specialists such as hepatologists, transplant surgeons, social workers, and nutritionists. It's important to note that these criteria serve as general guidelines, and individual assessment by a transplant center's multidisciplinary team is necessary to determine a patient's eligibility for a liver transplant. Each case is evaluated on a unique basis, taking into account the patient's specific medical condition, overall health, and available resources. How can I find a suitable liver transplant centre in India? To find a suitable liver transplant center in India, you can follow these steps: Research: Begin by conducting thorough research to identify reputable liver transplant centers in India. Look for centers that have a good track record of performing liver transplants, experienced transplant surgeons, and comprehensive post-transplant care.