Liver Transplant - Living Donor
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
Sunil K. GeevargheseMD, MSCI
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Biliary Disease / Gallbladder, Cancer, Gastroenterology Surgery, Gastrointestinal, General Surgery, Hepatobiliary 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
Michael D. RizzariMD
- Benign and Malignant Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts, Bile Duct Cancer, Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Liver Cancer, Liver Transplant
Why Choose Liver Transplant - Living Donor at Vanderbilt
- Knowledge and experience
We perform more than 150 liver transplants each year, which is more than any other program in Tennessee. This experience translates into the best possible care and results for you.
- 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 are committed to protecting and preserving the health and well-being of our living donors as well as our organ recipients. Every donor is paired with a living donor advocate who solely represents them and their interests and makes sure their needs are met. Living donors are evaluated carefully by a team of physicians to ensure they are able to live a healthy life without long-term complications after donating.
- Support services
Our transplant center provides many support services, including social workers, transplant pharmacists and a dedicated nurse coordinator. They will guide you through the transplant process. We also offer a unique return-to-work program to help you resume employment and restore your emotional and financial well-being.
- Convenient services
We provide an online form to complete if you are considering becoming a living organ donor. Being evaluated for donation is free. If you donate, your surgery, hospital stay and follow-up visits are financially covered as well.
Living Liver Program: Tammy's Story
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments, and services including:
- Consultations with transplant surgeons and other specialists
- Pathology and other laboratory tests
- Heart tests
- Imaging tests
- An independent living donor advocate (ILDA) who will communicate and advocate on your behalf