Understanding living donation for patients and potential donors
Key Takeaway: A living donor liver transplant can significantly reduce wait time by bypassing the deceased donor waiting list. The liver's unique ability to regenerate makes this possible.
A living donor liver transplant is a surgical procedure where a portion of a healthy person's liver is removed and transplanted into someone with liver failure. This is possible because the liver has a unique ability to regenerate — both the donor's remaining liver and the transplanted portion grow to full size within weeks to months.
This differs from deceased donor transplant, where the liver comes from someone who has died. Living donor transplants offer several advantages:
Not everyone can be a living liver donor. General requirements include:
Typically 18-60 years old, in excellent physical and mental health.
Compatible blood type with the recipient (not always identical).
Must pass extensive medical and psychological evaluation.
Donors can be family members, friends, or even altruistic strangers. All donors undergo thorough evaluation to ensure they understand the risks and are donating voluntarily.
Here's what the living donation process typically involves:
Living liver donation is major surgery and carries real risks. Potential donors receive detailed counseling about:
Important: No one should feel pressured to donate. The decision must be completely voluntary. Donors can change their mind at any point in the process.
A living donor liver transplant is a surgery where a portion of a healthy person's liver is removed and transplanted into someone with liver failure. The donor's liver regenerates over time.
Living donors must be healthy adults, typically 18-60 years old, with compatible blood type, no significant medical conditions, and undergo extensive psychological and medical evaluation.
Living liver donation carries risks including surgical complications, pain, recovery time, and rarely serious complications. All potential donors receive thorough evaluation and counseling about risks.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for decisions about your care. Last updated: February 2026.
This page is reviewed by a member of the National Friends Medical Advisory Board. We base our content on OPTN/UNOS living-donor policy and SRTR program-level outcomes, written in plain language for patients and prospective donors. We update the page when policy or program-level criteria change. Not medical advice — always consult your transplant team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-25