Long-Term Impact of Live Liver Donation: A Self Report of the Donation Experience

D. LaPointe Rudow,¹ S. DeLair,² S. Florman,¹ J. Guarrera,³ M. Kinkhabwala,⁴ M. Orloff,⁵ Y. Wu,⁶ L. Teperman.⁷

¹Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
²NYCLT, Albany, NY
³New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
⁴Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
⁵University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
⁶Westchester Medical Center, Valhala, NY
⁷New York University Hospitals Center, New York, NY.

Meeting: 2015 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: B155

Keywords: Living-related liver donors, Outcome, Psychosocial, Quality of life

Session Information

Session Name: Poster Session B: Liver: Living Donors

Session Type: Poster Session

Date: Sunday, May 3, 2015

Session Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm

Presentation Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm

Location: Exhibit Hall E

Introduction: Recipient outcomes of LDLT are well reported, however outcomes for adult to adult living liver donors (LD) are based on short term data. Much is unknown about the long-term impact of LD.

Purpose: The aim of this long-term study conducted by New York Center for Liver Transplantation (NYCLT) is to determine how LD impacts self-reported quality of life (QOL) indicators after one year.

Methods: Self-administered LD surveys from 2004- 2014 from 5 NYS Programs were analyzed. Domains examined: (1) employment, (2) finances, (3) health/life insurance, (4) activities of daily living, (5) physical/emotional health, (6) donor experience, (7) relationships, (8) LD opinions.

Results: There were 307 adult-to-adult LD in NYS 2004-2013; 347 surveys were received from LDs greater than one year after donation. Some completed the survey during more than one timeframe. Overall, LDs remain as comfortable about LD as they were at Y1 (94%). Most would choose LD if they had to do it again. The majority of LDs report feeling as well as before LD (70%), however incision and stomach muscle pain are increasingly present long term; 10% of LDs are receiving medical services related to LD. Most common long term effects are shown below.

Long Term Effects of LD
LT Positive Effects	LT Negative Effects
Positive feeling about oneself; happy, confident, proud	Digestive problems
Greater respect/appreciation for life	Abdominal pain/discomfort
Increased faith	Decreased energy/fatigue
Gave meaning to life	Reduced exercise ability
Career change/change in life direction	Scar discomfort

Most LDs are employed (>90%) and those not say LD is not the reason for unemployment. 93% have no current emotional problems as a result of LD compared to 71% at Y1. Reported family strain was reduced over time (7.4%), compared to 18.2%. at Y1.

Conclusion: This study tracks LDs over time rather than just shortly after LD. LDs remain satisfied with decision but some report long term medical issues. Conclusions provide information for educational intervention to improve informed choice to those considering donation.

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Rudow DLaPointe, DeLair S, Florman S, Guarrera J, Kinkhabwala M, Orloff M, Wu Y, Teperman L. Long-Term Impact of Live Liver Donation: A Self Report of the Donation Experience [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2015; 15 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/long-term-impact-of-live-liver-donation-a-self-report-of-the-donation-experience/. Accessed July 12, 2025.

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