Preparing a Donor Liver for Transplantation
In order for a liver to be transplanted from one patient to another, the donor (the person who has died) must be brain-dead. Only then are the donor's organs used. The liver must be removed from the donor and transported to Cincinnati Children's where it is thoroughly inspected.
It is important to remember that there are situations where the potential transplant liver may not work out for your child. If the transplant surgeons do not feel the liver looks good, the organ is not used. While this may be very disappointing, it is in your child's best interest. You will have to return home to wait until another organ becomes available. Fortunately, this situation is not common.
If the surgeons decide the liver is in good condition, they will prepare the liver for your child. This may include splitting the liver down to your child's size. This may take a few hours.
When the surgeons feel the organ is ready, they will ask that your child be brought to surgery. You will sit with your child in the "holding area." Here the anesthesiologist, the person who puts your child to sleep for surgery, talks with you and your child. The anesthesiologist also may give your child some medicines to make him or her drowsy.
The transplant nurse coordinator will meet you in the holding area and will stay with your child during the entire operation. After your child leaves the holding room and goes into the operating room, you and your family will wait in the surgery waiting area.
Written 5/03, rev. 9/04, 6/05
