Factitious wound infections in an altruistic living liver donor

James L Levenson1, Rodolfo Valverde, Mary Ellen Olbrisch

  • 1Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Progress in Transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
|April 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent wound infections in a living liver donor impacted the recipient's benefits. Obtaining prior medical records is crucial for living donor screening to prevent such complications.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Transplantation

Background:

  • Living liver donation is a complex procedure with potential risks.
  • Donor screening is essential to ensure recipient safety and long-term outcomes.
  • Financial implications for recipients post-donation require careful consideration.

Observation:

  • A case of recurrent factitious wound infections in an altruistic living liver donor is presented.
  • These infections occurred after the liver donation procedure.
  • The costs associated with the donor's infections were billed to the recipient.

Findings:

  • The recurrent infections in the donor posed a financial burden on the recipient.
  • This situation threatened the recipient's access to lifetime benefits.
  • The case highlights a gap in the comprehensive evaluation of living donors.

Implications:

  • Previous medical history of living donors is critical for thorough screening.
  • Inadequate donor evaluation can lead to unforeseen complications for recipients.
  • Robust protocols are needed to protect both donor and recipient welfare and financial security.