Living Donor Liver Transplant

The most significant benefit of a living donor liver transplant is that the recipient gets the liver transplant surgery they need. According to the American Liver Foundation, thousands of people die each year while waiting for a donated liver to become available. A living donor liver transplant may also mean the recipient spends less time on the liver transplant list and can have the surgery before their condition deteriorates.

Born with biliary atresia, baby Kara Pace needed a liver transplant. Due to liver transplant wait times and Kara's variable health the family chose to pursue living liver donation. Darla Harvey, a member of their church, applied online. After going through testing at Duke she learned she was a match. Watch this video to see the differenve a living liver donation can make.

The life-sustaining gift of living liver donation is an intensely personal, physical, and emotional journey. Our liver transplant team includes liver specialists, liver transplant surgeons, social workers, and transplant coordinators. We are dedicated to helping you fully understand the procedure and make the decision that’s right for you. 

Extensive Risks-and-Benefits Education 
If you are considering becoming a living donor, Duke’s liver transplant surgery team will provide you with extensive education about the risks and benefits before you make your decision.

Dedicated Transplant Coordinator
The transplant coordinator helps you plan your visit, answers any questions you may have, and -- should you choose to donate -- facilitates your personalized guidance through the process of donation, recovery, and follow-up. Medical staff is on call 24/7 for any needs that may arise.

Independent Living Donor Advocate
You will also be assigned an independent living donor advocate. The sole function of this advocate is to represent and advise you on all decisions.

Delay or End the Process at Any Time
You have the right to decide that living liver donation is not for you. You can change your mind and delay or end the donation process at any time. You may speak with any team member or the living donor advocate for assistance with this.