How much of your liver can you donate?

Potential live liver donors are educated on the risks associated with surgery, hospitalization, and recovery. The surgery to remove the portion of a donor's liver takes about 5 hours and the donor stays in the hospital for about seven days. Typically, the right lobe of the donor's liver is removed. read more

Part of a blood vessel in the leg is also removed to connect the donated liver portion to the recipient. The donor may have to remain in the hospital a week or longer as the liver begins to heal and regenerate itself. Full regeneration generally takes six to eight weeks. read more

Financial strain and potential impact on your job. You should plan on being off work for 8 to 16 weeks. It is possible that donating part of your liver will affect your job status long term. Problems getting insurance in the future. This can include health insurance and life insurance. Changes in your mood. read more