Living donor liver transplant
Leading the way in living liver transplantation
When it comes to living liver donation, expertise is key.
The Penn Transplant Institute was the first transplant center in the region to perform an adult-to-adult living liver transplant. Since then, our surgeons have performed at least 10 times more living donor liver transplants than other Philadelphia transplant teams. We’re one of the largest and most experienced liver transplant programs in the nation.
For prospective donors looking to connect directly with a living liver donor intake coordinator, please call 445-273-2785.
Decades of experience supporting living liver donors
At the Penn Medicine Center for Living Donation, donors are our focus.
Our Living Donor Liver Transplant program is the only program of its kind in the region to receive the highest possible designation from the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR), in recognition that our care exceeds expectations and results in excellent survival outcomes.
Our doctors are also researchers seeking to make liver transplantation safer and more effective for donors and recipients. We’re one of nine centers of excellence participating in the National Institute of Health-sponsored Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplant consortium (A2ALL) that explores outcomes in living donor transplantation.
Save a life through living liver donation
The shortage of liver donors in the United States is so severe that many patients die waiting. More than 15,000 patients are on the waiting list for liver transplants. In the greater Philadelphia region, more than 700 people are waiting.
As a liver donor, you have a remarkable advantage because you only donate a portion of your liver, and unlike most organs, your liver can regenerate. That means you can save a life by donating part of your liver, and fully recover when your remaining liver grows back to its original size within weeks.
Register to become a donor
If you’re ready to take the first step toward living organ donation, please fill out the screening form to become a potential donor.
Living donor liver transplant process
You’ll work with a Living Donor Advocate, whose job is to support you, answer your questions, and be a voice for your needs throughout the organ donation process. You also receive tailored medical care from the transplant team to ensure your health is protected at all steps and throughout your recovery.
To begin the referral process, please complete the registration form. Once we receive your form, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a link to continue the online medical screening questionnaire. Once the questionnaire has been fully completed, we’ll contact you within one week.
You’ll have consultations with your dedicated donor team. They’ll order medical tests and exams and talk to you about your emotional health and reasons for wanting to donate your liver. You’ll also meet with your independent donor advocate. The evaluation process may take a few months because we want to ensure you’re healthy enough for liver donation and it’s the right choice for you.
During your preoperative visit, your team explains the organ donation procedure and what to expect after liver transplant surgery. You, the recipient, and the transplant teams will select a date for surgery. Prior to surgery, you’ll donate blood to be used during the procedure, if needed.
The surgery takes six to eight hours, and you’ll stay in the hospital for about five days. Most donors can return to work six to eight weeks after surgery.
Your first follow-up visit will take place one week after you leave the hospital, and you’ll have two more visits within the first month. After that, we’ll see you three months, six months, one year, and two years after surgery.
We’re always available to answer your questions as you recover and heal. We also provide free support groups for donors that you can attend online any time.
Living liver donation requirements
The safety and wellbeing of organ donors and recipients is our top priority. To participate in living liver donation, candidates must meet specific qualifications. Donors must be a legal adult, be in excellent physical and mental condition without a history of significant medical issues, have a compatible blood type with the recipient, and have a healthy BMI.
Additionally, donors must:
- Maintain active health insurance
- Have an established primary care provider
- Have a designated caregiver available to assist with surgery recovery
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.