Right hepatic lobe donation: impact on donor quality of life

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of living-donor liver transplantation on the donor's quality of life. Among the 48 performed at our hospital from October 2003 to June 2006, 46 (27 men, 19 women; mean age, 37.4 years) were followed for more than 4 months (mean, 16.5+/-8 months). In April 2006, these donors participated in a survey that included medical and psychosocial outcomes. Seven complications occurred in four of 46 donors (8.6%): two biliary leaks, two wound infections, one incisional hernia, one portal vein thrombosis, and one deep venous thrombosis. For the donor with portal vein thrombosis, the vein was recanalized, and she recovered without treatment; a bile leak from the cut liver surface and an incisional hernia also developed in the same donor. The biliary leak was treated with percutaneous drainage, and the incisional hernia was repaired surgically. Fifteen donors were housewives, 31 worked outside the home, and 94% returned to their work. A change in body image was reported in 4.3% of the donors. None reported impaired sexual function. Complete recovery occurred in 86% of donors, 94% of the donors said that they would donate again if necessary, and 97% believe that they had benefited from the donation experience. In conclusion, almost all donors were able to return to their prior jobs within a few months of surgery, and most donors were satisfied with the donation procedure.