Background/aims: Since the first living liver transplantation, the procedure has become routine with an excellent outcome and the shortage of organs for recipients has generated enthusiasm for living donor liver transplantation. One of the major challenges is the safety of the donor after donation. Here, we try to evaluate the overall safety of living donors.
Methodology: This review examines the donor's complications by using the Clavien score system, observes the changes of the laboratory test including the liver and kidney functions and the blood routine, meanwhile the quality of life after operation is also investigated.
Results: The safety of living donors included complications, changes in laboratory examinations and the quality of the mental and physical health, and work after donation. The complication rate of the living liver donor ranges from 9.4% to 67%, and the most common complication are biliary complications, ranges from 11.1%-82.3%, if donors' liver function is damaged in the first week there is slow recovery, the qualities of life is mostly unaffected.
Conclusion: Donation is a safe procedure for the donor and valuable for the recipient.