[Donor quality of life after living donor liver transplantation]

Quality of life of the donor after living donor liver transplantation has not been evaluated in Brazil yet.

To evaluate the quality of live of the donor after living donor liver transplantation.

Of a total of 300 liver transplantations, 51 were of living donors. All donors with less than 6 months of follow-up and those who did not want to participate were excluded from the study. The donors answered a questionnaire contained 28 questions about several aspects of donation. Demographic and clinical data from the donors were also evaluated.

Thirty-seven donors were included in the study. Thirty-two were first or second degree relatives of the receptor. Only one donor would not donate again. Twenty-two donors (59%) experienced more postoperative pain than they had previously anticipated. Return to regular activities occurred in less than 3 months for 21 donors (57%). Twenty-one donors (57%) referred financial loss with the donation due to expenses with medications, exams, transportation or lost wages. Thirty-three (89%) had no modification or limitation in their lives after donation. The most negative aspects of donation were postoperative pain and the presence of a surgical scar. Most postoperative complications resolved with clinical treatment, but severe or potentially fatal complications occurred in two patients.

Most donors had good recovery and returned to regular activities few months after donation. The most negative aspect of donation was postoperative pain.