Abstract
In light of a global organ shortage, living donor transplantation has become increasingly relevant as an alternative to deceased donor transplantation. While current research has revolved around the medical aspects of transplantation, there remains a paucity of literature regarding the quality of life (QOL) of living donors. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of the current landscape of living liver and kidney transplantation, with a focus on the mental health and wellbeing of donors. As highlighted in previous studies, organ donation has a significant impact on both physical and mental aspects of donor wellbeing, with marked deteriorations occurring in the short term. Furthermore, other qualitative aspects such as financial burden contribute greatly to donor distress, reflecting a need for improved donor care. To address these pertinent issues, recommendations for a successful transplant program are detailed in this review, which encompasses psychological and social aspects of donor care throughout the donation process. Further research can be done on the impact of recipient deaths on donor QOL and appropriate interventions. Overall, given the selfless sacrifices of living donors, the care of their mental wellbeing is essential. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on the provision of adequate psychosocial support for them.
Highlights
The scope of the review covers quality of life of adult living donors after liver or kidney transplantation with a comprehensive outline of elements of a successful wellbeing program targeted at this population
living donor liver transplant (LDLT) allows for transplantation at a lower model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, shorter intensive care unit stay and better post-transplant outcomes [10]
Increased graft and patient survival rates have been observed in living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) as compared to deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) [11]
Summary
There is no organ without a donor. Since the first living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) in 1954 [1] and first living donor liver transplant (LDLT) in 1988 [2], the global prevalence of living donor transplants has increased rapidly, especially in Asia. Based on the 2015 annual report from the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT), 84,347 kidney transplants were performed with 41.8% from living donors while. 27,759 liver transplants were performed with 21.0% from living donors [3]. While deceased donors have been the traditional source of organs in transplant in the West, the current
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