Liver Donor Process Should Be Efficient

The first step in a liver donor workup is logistically crucial and should be accomplished quickly, according to a University of Hong Kong study.

In a study of 399 potential liver donors, most of the potential donors did not make it to surgery because:

— 144 dropped out due to medical reasons such as incompatibility or because they were hepatitis carriers.

— 42 dropped out voluntarily.

— 24 dropped out because there was a better donor.

The results appeared in the journal Liver Transplantation.

The voluntary donor should undergo a careful and fast work-up that includes salient information about donor risks, possible harm and recipient benefit, according to study leader Sheung Tat Fan.

Even though a live donor will not benefit from the operation physically, the failure to save the recipient can result in much psychological remorse, the authors said in a statement.