Approximately 30% of the liver transplants performed at the Lahey Clinic are with live donors. As the need for more LDLT transplants continues to grow, more and more patients are seeking out this life-saving alternative and more and more volunteers are stepping forward to make the procedure possible. Donors only need an emotional relationship to the recipient and can be either a friend or a relative.

Proper screening, preparation and post-operative care of donors require an extended stay close to the facility performing the operation. Accommodating these donors from across the country and around the world is an ongoing challenge.

Because the safety of the donor is the surgical team’s first responsibility donors first undergo an intensive evaluation process. In fact, many patients say they feel as though “astronauts undergo less rigorous testing.”

In addition to meeting the physical requirements of compatibility and organ size, donors must be carefully screened to make certain they are not unduly pressured by other family members and are truly willing to undergo the procedure, even though there is no guarantee of success. (Approximately one half of all donors are rejected due to physical or other incompatibilities.)

Once cleared for the procedure, the time required away from home is then measured in weeks and months instead of merely days.

Although the time spent in the hospital may be only 7 to 10 days, there is a 2 to 3 month recovery period with frequent outpatient follow-up visits and x-ray studies to ensure that the donor’s liver is regenerating satisfactorily.

Living expenses
Through Thalia House, donors and recipients may apply for financial assistance to defray the cost of basic living expenses including lodging, food, laundry and local transportation. Determinations are made based on financial need, and the length of time a donor or recipient requires Thalia House assistance.

Travel expenses
Since patients and donors may come from a great distance, assistance with air travel is often vital. Toward this end, a collaborative relationship has been established with Angel Flight NE, a non-profit organization in New England that provides air transportation in private aircraft by volunteer pilots. In addition to this arrangement, Thalia House may offer patients, donors and family members additional assistance with travel expenses.

Emotional Support and Counseling
Studies have shown that the emotional support provided by family and friends can hasten a patient’s recovery time, decrease chances of severe depression and improve overall clinical outcomes in patients suffering from chronic life threatening diseases. For this reason Thalia House has budgeted for professional support and counseling for patients, donors and the family members of both.