Whenever we talk about liver disease, the focus is often on liver patients. However, we rarely acknowledge the true heroes—our liver donors. On World Liver Day 2025, let’s shift the spotlight to these unsung heroes, both live donors and cadaveric donors, who make life-saving transplants possible.
The Growing Need for Liver Donation
According to a study, approximately 1.2% of patients visiting Indian hospitals suffer from chronic liver disease. The incidence of chronic liver disease is alarmingly high in India, and mortality rates continue to rise. The primary reasons for this are the shortage of available organs for transplant and financial constraints. While organ donation awareness has increased in India, the demand still far exceeds the supply. To bridge this gap, live donor liver transplantation remains a crucial option.
Saluting Cadaveric Donors and Their Families
Cadaveric organ donors and their families deserve our highest respect. Their decision to donate the organs of a loved one—who is declared brain dead—offers a second chance at life to those in need. It is one of the greatest acts of kindness and selflessness.
For the doctors, informing a family that their loved one is brain dead and discussing the option of organ donation is one of the toughest conversations. At the same time, imagine the relief and hope of a liver recipient who has been waiting for a call that a liver is available. This is not just an organ; it is a new lease on life. Once a cirrhosis patient develops complications, their life expectancy drops to 1 to 3 years. A liver transplant is often their only chance at survival.
Who Can Be a Live Liver Donor?
A common question asked is, what are the criteria for a live liver donor? A potential donor should:
- Be a close family member with a matching blood group (preferably).
- Be between 18 to 55 years of age.
- Have no major heart or lung-related issues.
- Have a healthy liver (no fatty liver) as per a CT scan.
- Have adequate liver volume for both the recipient and the donor’s safety.
Does the Liver Regenerate?
Yes! After liver resection, the remaining liver regenerates to nearly normal size within 4 to 6 weeks. This is why live liver donation is possible and safe when done with proper medical protocols.
Liver Donors: The Real Heroes
Live liver donors are not patients—they are healthy individuals who voluntarily undergo a major surgery to save the life of a loved one. They take on a personal risk for someone else’s survival, and their courage deserves recognition.
On World Liver Day 2025, let’s honor and felicitate our liver donors—the real heroes who make second chances possible. Let’s also spread the message: “Donate organs, save lives.”
-Dr. Swapnil Sharma
Consultant and Chief Liver Transplant & HPB Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com