Living Liver Donor Transplant
You can save a life.
A living donor liver transplant is when someone who’s still alive gives part of their healthy liver to a person with advanced liver disease.
The donated portion of the liver will grow in the recipient to meet the body’s needs. The donor’s remaining liver grows back to nearly its normal size in two to three months.
At the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, we are committed to protecting and preserving the health and well-being of potential donors. If you decide to become a living donor, your choice must be completely voluntary and free from pressure, guilt or financial payment.
Why Become a Living Donor
- There are not enough deceased donor livers for those who need one. A donation from a living donor can significantly shorten the amount of time a recipient must wait to receive a transplant.
- With living donor liver transplants, surgery is scheduled in advance, at the donor and recipient’s convenience. The recipient can get a liver before they become too sick.
- A living liver donor can expect a normal, healthy life.
- Our team of physicians, nurse coordinators, donor advocates and social workers will work closely with you about eligibility, health considerations and any other concerns.
- Donor evaluation is free to you. If you become a donor, your surgery, hospital stay and follow-up visits are free, too.
Meet Your Care Team
Sophoclis P. AlexopoulosMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Liver Transplant, Liver Transplantation, Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Lee GordenMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Biliary Disease / Gallbladder, Gastroenterology Surgery, Gastrointestinal, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation
Martin I. MontenovoMD
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation, Pediatric Surgery, Transplant Surgery
Lea K. MatsuokaMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary and Liver Surgery, Liver Transplant, Liver Transplantation, Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Why Choose Living Liver Donor Transplant at Vanderbilt
- Excellent Outcomes
People receiving a living donor liver transplant may recover faster than if they’d received a liver from a deceased donor. Recipients will be transplanted at lower MELD score at the time of surgery. With a living donor, the recipient does not have to wait on the list for a liver from a deceased donor.
- Comprehensive Care
We work to protect and preserve the health and well-being of our living donors and recipients. Donors are paired with an advocate to represent their interests and make sure their needs are met. Potential donors are evaluated by a team of specialists to be sure they can live a healthy life without long-term complications after donating.
- Support Services
Our transplant center offers living donor coordinators, nurses and social workers, among other experts, who help you through the entire process.