Living Donor Evaluation at Karolinska University Hospital

Living Donor Evaluation at Karolinska University Hospital provides specialist assessment for individuals who are considering living organ donation for liver transplantation. The evaluation focuses on donor health, medical suitability, surgical considerations, and the safety of proceeding with donation. A comprehensive assessment is performed to protect the donor's wellbeing while determining whether living donation may be medically appropriate.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of living donor evaluation varies depending on the number of medical assessments, laboratory investigations, imaging studies, specialist consultations, and other requirements needed to determine donor suitability. A personalized cost estimate can be provided after reviewing the donor's medical information and evaluation requirements.

Complete Description

Living Donor Assessment

A living donor evaluation is a comprehensive medical assessment performed to determine whether an individual may be suitable to donate a portion of the liver. The process focuses primarily on donor safety and includes detailed review of physical health, medical history, and relevant risk factors.

Medical History Review

The evaluation may include a detailed review of previous illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, family history, lifestyle factors, and other relevant health information. Previous medical records may also be reviewed when available.

Physical Examination

A clinical examination may be performed to assess the donor's general health and identify any medical factors that could affect eligibility or surgical safety.

Liver Function Assessment

Blood tests and other investigations may be used to evaluate liver function and overall organ health. The results help the transplant team determine whether the donor's liver is suitable for donation and whether there are any medical concerns requiring further assessment.

Blood and Laboratory Testing

Laboratory investigations may include blood counts, kidney and liver function testing, blood group assessment, infection screening, and other tests according to the donor's individual circumstances.

Imaging Assessment

Imaging studies may be used to evaluate the donor's liver anatomy, blood vessels, bile ducts, and other structures relevant to surgical planning. The type of imaging depends on the clinical requirements of the evaluation.

Cardiovascular Assessment

Selected donors may require cardiovascular assessment to determine whether they can safely undergo major surgery. Additional investigations may be recommended based on age, medical history, symptoms, or other risk factors.

Surgical Suitability

The transplant team evaluates whether the donor's anatomy and overall health are compatible with living liver donation. Surgical considerations may include liver volume, vascular anatomy, bile duct anatomy, and other factors that can influence the safety and feasibility of donation.

Psychological and Social Assessment

Living donation can involve significant physical and emotional considerations. Donor evaluation may therefore include assessment of psychological wellbeing, understanding of the donation process, social circumstances, and ability to make an informed and voluntary decision.

Informed Consent

Potential donors should receive clear information about the donation process, expected recovery, potential risks, and possible complications. Donation must be voluntary, and the donor should have an appropriate opportunity to understand the procedure before making a decision.

Donor Safety

Protecting the donor's health is a central part of living donor evaluation. If the assessment identifies medical or surgical concerns that could create unacceptable risk, donation may not be recommended.

Compatibility Assessment

Where appropriate, the donor and intended recipient may undergo compatibility-related assessment. The transplant team considers relevant medical and transplant factors when determining whether living donation may be suitable.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Living donor assessment may involve several healthcare professionals, including transplant physicians, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, psychologists, and other specialists as required. This coordinated approach supports comprehensive evaluation.

Additional Investigations

Further tests may be requested if initial assessments identify an area requiring clarification. The specific investigations depend on the donor's health, age, medical history, and transplant circumstances.

Living Donor Surgery Planning

If a donor is considered suitable, the transplant team may discuss the surgical process, expected hospitalization, recovery period, potential risks, and follow-up requirements. Final decisions are made according to the complete medical evaluation.

Post-Donation Follow-Up

Living donors require appropriate medical follow-up after donation. Monitoring may include assessment of recovery, liver function, general health, and any complications that may develop during the postoperative period.

Second Opinion

Individuals considering living liver donation may seek an independent specialist opinion regarding their medical suitability, evaluation results, surgical risks, or alternative treatment pathways before proceeding.

International Patient Care

International potential donors may require review of medical records and diagnostic information before traveling for evaluation. Previous laboratory reports, imaging studies, medication lists, and relevant medical history can assist with preliminary assessment.

International donor evaluation and transplantation arrangements are subject to applicable medical, ethical, legal, referral, and hospital requirements.

Benefits of Living Donor Evaluation

Potential benefits of specialist living donor evaluation include:

• Comprehensive assessment of donor health

• Evaluation of liver function and anatomy

• Detailed surgical suitability assessment

• Review of cardiovascular and general health

• Assessment of potential medical risks

• Psychological and social evaluation when appropriate

• Multidisciplinary transplant assessment

• Individualized donor safety planning

• Appropriate postoperative follow-up planning

Why Choose Karolinska University Hospital?

Karolinska University Hospital provides specialist transplant and academic healthcare services within a multidisciplinary environment. Potential living donors can undergo detailed medical assessment designed to evaluate suitability while maintaining a strong focus on donor safety and informed decision-making.

Cost of Living Donor Evaluation

The overall cost depends on the complexity of the evaluation, laboratory testing, imaging, specialist consultations, and additional investigations required.

Because donor assessments vary between individuals, the service is offered at Price on Request following appropriate medical review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a living donor evaluation?

A living donor evaluation is a detailed medical and clinical assessment performed to determine whether an individual may safely donate a portion of the liver for transplantation.

What tests are included in living donor evaluation?

Testing varies by individual but may include blood and urine tests, liver function assessment, imaging studies, cardiovascular evaluation, infection screening, and other investigations required for donor assessment.

Is living liver donation safe?

Living liver donation is major surgery and involves potential risks. A comprehensive evaluation is performed to determine whether the expected risks are medically acceptable for the potential donor.

Can someone be rejected as a living donor?

Yes. A potential donor may not be considered suitable if medical, surgical, psychological, anatomical, or other factors indicate that donation could create unacceptable risk.

Can international donors undergo evaluation at Karolinska University Hospital?

International potential donors may be considered subject to applicable medical, ethical, legal, referral, eligibility, and hospital requirements. Medical information may need to be reviewed before an evaluation is arranged.

Product Details

Product Name: Living Donor Evaluation at Karolinska University Hospital
Hospital: Karolinska University Hospital
Brand: Karolinska University Hospital
Country: Sweden
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Specialty: Liver Transplantation
Service Type: Living Donor Evaluation
Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request
International Patients: Subject to applicable eligibility and donor evaluation requirements