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Can you donate part of your liver while you're still alive?
I saw this on an epi of Grey's Anatomy and wasn't sure if it was legitimate. A son donated half of his liver to his sick father and then apparently both pieces regenerated into full, working livers. If this is possible, why don't more people donate liver tissue like they do bone marrow?
9 Answers
- xLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
yes it is possible, if you donate only 1/9 of your liver it will grow and become normal liver, but people don't donate liver because it is much complicated that donating bone marrow
- 1 decade ago
It is possible, however it is an extremely painful operation. Some places have drives for people to match with. These drives are usually started when a local person lets it be known that they are in need, and people show up in droves. Typically (unfortunately) people who sign up for the test are signing up because they know someone who needs it and are hoping to help a friend or family member.
A lot of the clinics that perform the test have online databases that keep track of who's been tested. If there is a match, the potential donor and recipient are contacted. So if you've been tested don't be surprised to find you match with a stranger.
It is a great thing to do...I would help someone I didn't know...but a lot of people aren't willing to go through the surgery for a stranger. It's too bad, isn't it?
- christigmcLv 51 decade ago
Yes it is true. It's a fairly new operation compared to other transplants. I think this has only been around for abotu 10 years. Liver cells regenerate farily quickly that's why it's possible.
I wish more people would do this too. I have a donor card. If anyone matches up to me I'll do it.
- 1 decade ago
Yes it is possible but the tissuses need to be really good amtches and the liver does regenerate.
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- patricaLv 44 years ago
so some distance as i understand... quite a lot the only ingredient they're going to assist you supply is one in each and every of your kidneys, area of your liver, an ovary, bone marrow, in line with threat epidermis grafts, and blood. the rest they won't take on the grounds which you will nonetheless desire it, and scientific ethics limit the harvesting of them.
- dooLv 41 decade ago
Yes, your liver will regenerate. It still has it's dangers to both donor and recipient, which is why it isn't routine.
- 1 decade ago
i think so 'cuz its the only organ that will re-generate....as for why more people dont donate liver tissue , i never knew you could donate it like blood
- bleacherbrat34Lv 61 decade ago
yes you can,
only if the human heart can regenerate .
Source(s): i have a relative waiting for one - Anonymous1 decade ago
ONLY if you are young.Being an "older" person and donating,you are TOAST