All potential donors will undergo a complete medical and psychosocial evaluation. Not everyone is suitable or eligible to become a living liver donor based on a number of factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, psychosocial concerns, or liver size. Donating an organ is a personal decision that should only be made after becoming fully informed about its potential risks and benefits.
In the U.S., it’s estimated that 4.5 million adults are diagnosed with chronic liver disease. It develops over time and may be caused a number of conditions including hepatitis, genetics, alcohol overuse or cancer. Chronic liver disease is different than acute liver disease which can come on quickly and may be the result of an injury or a virus. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Bashar Aqel, a Mayo Clinic transplant hepatologist says when the liver can no longer function, a life-saving transplant may be needed.
Doctors Without Waiting Rooms 