The living donor experience: Donor health assessment and outcomes after living donor liver transplantation

Despite the increasing use of living donor liver transplantation, little is known about donor needs, concerns, and experiences. The goal of this study is to assess morbidity associated with living donation from a donor perspe ctive,, functional status after donation, and overall satisfaction with the donation process. We surveyed all living donors (LDs) from our center. Dem ographics, perioperative, experience, and satisfaction with donation were a ssessed. The Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), a we ll-validated tool, measured overall health-related quality of life. Of 27 s ubjects eligible for the study, 27 subjects (100%) participated. Forty perc ent reported an event they deemed an immediate complication, of which 60% w ere recorded in the medical record. Complications requiring readmission wer e reported by 22%. Mean recovery time was 12 weeks (range, 1 to 52 weeks). No significant change was reported in physical activity, social activity, o r emotional stability, and 92% of donors resumed their predonation occupati on. Regardless of recipient outcome, 100% of donors would donate again and recommend donation to someone in contemplation. All surveyed LDs at our ins titution are satisfied with their donation decision. Morbidity in the first year after donation may be greater than previously appreciated. Despite co mplications, postoperative functional. status of donors is equal to or bett er than population norms.