Six Weeks Before Surgery
If you’re a smoker, you’ll be asked to stop smoking, at least until you have fully recovered from surgery. Smoking increases your risk for infection in the setting of general anesthesia, so it is very important that you stop smoking.
If you drink alcohol, even in moderation, you’ll be instructed to abstain for one year post donation; this timeframe corresponds with the period of liver regrowth. This is because alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and it is best to minimize additional strain while your liver is regrowing.
One Week Before Surgery
You’ll meet with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, who will review the donor surgery with you. After you’re well-informed of the process, you’ll be asked to sign two consent forms, one for surgery, and one for anesthesia.
You’ll be asked go to the blood bank so they may obtain one unit of blood (about a quarter of a liter). This is done as a precautionary measure; in case of excessive bleeding during surgery, your own blood will be transfused into your bloodstream.
Our team will require you to visit the lab one last time to have blood drawn. This is done as a precautionary measure to ensure your liver function levels haven't changed, and you haven't acquired any infections since the donor evaluation period.
Aspirin and blood-thinners reduce your blood-clotting ability. If you take these medications, you'll be instructed to discontinue their use. If you’re taking birth control pills, or any type of hormone therapy, you’ll be instructed to discontinue their use as well, as they may affect your body’s expected behavior during surgery.
24 Hours Before Surgery
You should pack a bag with loose and comfortable clothes for your 7 to 10-day hospital stay. We also recommend you bring personal items (toothbrush, shampoo, reading glasses, etc.) and items important to you during your recovery (such as books, cell phone, MP3 player, etc.). We have Wi-Fi, and an entertainment center at Lahey which you may use during your recovery. We advise against bringing non-essential items, such as jewelry.
You’ll be required to stop eating the midnight before the surgery to avoid bowel movements. You may still drink liquids such as water or juice.
Your hospital stay will last from 7 to 10 days, and you won't be allowed to drive yourself home once released. With this in mind, we recommend you ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from the hospital.
The Day of Surgery
Our operating and waiting area can be found on Lahey’s second floor.
Living donor surgeries are typically scheduled in the morning. You and the liver recipient will be admitted into the hospital’s pre-op area two hours before surgery, where your family may accompany you. You will change into a gown, and an IV will be placed for hydration, delivery of medications, and anesthetics. The nursing team may need to shave your abdominal area if deemed necessary by the surgical team. You’ll also have electrodes attached to your chest to measure your heart’s electrical output.
When you’re taken into the operating room, your family will be asked to wait for you in the surgical waiting area, where the donor coordinator will discuss a plan to keep them updated on the progress of your surgery.
Our anesthesiologists will administer sedation through the IV to put you to sleep. Once you are asleep, the team will connect you to a breathing machine, and place a Foley catheter. Once all preparations are complete, and your body is found to be stable under anesthesia, the surgeon team may begin the operation.
