Imaging Evaluation of the Living Liver Donor: A Systems-Based Approach

Abstract

Liver transplant is the definitive treatment of end-stage liver disease and early hepatocellular carcinoma. The number of liver transplant surgeries done is highly affected by the number and availability of deceased donor organs. Living donor liver transplantation has emerged as an alternative source of donors, increasing the availability of organs for transplant. Many factors must be considered when choosing living donor candidates to maintain a high level of donor safety and organ survival. To that end, potential donors undergo a rigorous pre-donation workup.

Keywords: Hepatobiliary imaging; Liver surgery; Liver transplant; Living donor transplant; Preoperative imaging.