Living-Donor Liver Transplant

I am interested in
becoming a living donor.

I am, or someone I know is on
the transplant waiting list.

More than 15,000 Americans are waiting for a liver transplant, and only one-third of those on the waiting list will be able to receive a liver from a deceased- donor. Living-donor liver transplants offer an alternative to the liver transplant waiting list by helping to overcome the organ shortage and save lives.

During a living-donor liver transplant, a portion of a healthy liver is removed from a donor and is used to replace another person’s unhealthy liver. This is possible because of the liver’s unique ability to regenerate, or grow back.

Learn more about the unique qualities of the liver, including how it's able to grow back after living donation, from an expert at UPMC.

Benefits of Living Donation

Reduced wait times on the liver transplant waiting list
Surgery that is scheduled at a time that's convenient for both donor and recipient
Recipient can receive the transplant before his or her liver disease progresses to a severe stage

Improved long-term outcomes because the donor's liver functions up until the time of transplant
Donor has the benefit of knowing that he or she has contributed to another person's life in a very meaningful way

For more information, please choose if you are interested in becoming a living donor or receiving a living-donor liver transplant above. For more information about liver transplant or to request an appointment, please visit the UPMC Liver Transplant Services website.