Change in donor quality of life after living donor liver transplantation surgery: a single-institution experience

Abstract

Aim: Changes in quality of life (QOL) of donors after living donor liver transplantation surgery were studied using Short Form 36 (SF-36) to evaluate physical health and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to evaluate mood.

Methods: Among the 28 donors who had undergone surgery at our hospital, 21 donors replied to our questionnaire (recovery rate: 75%). Changes in the QOL of donors were examined based on the results of pre- and postoperative SF-36 and POMS and a questionnaire survey.

Results: The donors included 12 men and nine women with a mean age of 43 years. One donor operation was complicated by biliary stenosis. The SF-36 results showed significant postoperative decline in physical function and increase in pain, but no other significant changes. The POMS results showed no significant differences, with the mean values for anxiety, depression, anger, vitality, and confusion all recovering postoperatively. The questionnaire results indicated that all subjects had recovered physical function, but 24% of subjects felt wound-related physical symptoms and 19% felt anxiety concerning their future health.

Conclusions: Some donors had symptoms that persisted for comparatively long periods postoperatively and considered that long-term outpatient observation was required. No significant psychological changes were found, but donors felt anxiety about their future health and considered that patient meetings would be useful and that adequate outpatient health guidance should be provided.