A non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs of the abdomen including the liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. The blood vessels to some of these organs can also be evaluated using this test.
Source: Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia
An aneurysm is a dilation of a blood vessel (similar to a balloon) which as it expands has the potential for rupture. Rupture of an aneurysm in the brain causes stroke.
Living donors are not related or known by the recipient.
The first step in the evaluation process is to determine whether or not the potential living donor has a blood type that is compatible with the recipient. There are four blood types: O, A, B and AB.
A test to confirm absence of blood flow or brain activity.
A large release of blood from the blood vessels into the brain itself.
Reflex actions such as cough, gag, motor and pupillary response to light. The absence of brainstem reflexes indicate the brain is no longer able to send messages to the body to make it work - to breathe and to perform other vital functions. Therefore, brain stem death - neurological death - is death.
A rare disorder characterized by narrowing and obstruction (occlusion) of the veins of the liver (hepatic veins). In most cases, the exact cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome is unknown.
Source: WebMD
A deep, prolonged and sometimes irreversible unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be awakened.
This important blood test is performed to further determine compatibility between donor and recipient. White blood cells from the donor are mixed with blood from the recipient. If the donor's white blood cells are attacked and killed, this is known as a "positive" cross match and indicates that the donor and recipient are not compatible. A "negative" cross match, on the other hand, indicates that surgery can proceed.
A special X-ray technique that uses a computer to incorporate multiple X-ray images into a two-dimensional cross-sectional image.
The result of an accurate diagnosis.
The process of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms.
A disorder of iron metabolism partially characterized by excessive absorption of ingested iron, particularly in the liver, pancreas, and skin. Cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes (bronze diabetes), bronze pigmentation of the skin, and eventually, heart failure may occur. Hemochromatosis can also result from administration of large amounts of iron orally, by injection, or in forms of blood transfusion therapy.
Source: The Canadian Haemochromatosis Society
Medical specialist trained in diseases of the liver.
A temporary yellow color of the eyes and skin.
A surgical procedure in which the kidney is removed through a small incision below the navel. Unlike more traditional open surgery, which requires cutting through three layers of muscle, laparoscopic nephrectomy is less invasive and involves making several 2-inch (5.08 cm) incisions into the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope and other instruments through them.
Ability of the largest organ of the body to remove or neutralize poisons from the blood; produce immune agents to control infection; remove germs and bacteria from the blood; make proteins that regulate blood clotting; and produce bile to help absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
The portion of the liver used for transplantation, usually the right lobe.
A surgical procedure in which a portion of the donor's healthy liver is removed for transplantation into a recipient in need. A family member, usually a parent, sibling or adult child or someone emotionally close such as a spouse, may volunteer to donate a portion of their healthy liver. This procedure is made possible by the liver's unique ability to regenerate. After transplantation, the partial livers of both the donor and recipient will grow and remodel to form complete organs.
Source:
Columbia University Department of Surgery, New York, NY
One of two distinct sections that make up the liver and which can function independently of each other. The right lobe, which is slightly larger than the left, makes up about 60% of the total liver volume and is the lobe most often removed for transplant purposes. The left lobe, which is slightly smaller than the right, comprises about 40% of the total liver volume.
A non-invasive procedure which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the abdomen and its organs, allowing surgeons to map them in detail prior to surgery.
Source: Medline Plus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A special imaging technique used to show internal structures of the body, particularly soft tissues such as the brain.
A Latin term which means removal of a kidney.
Having to do with the brain and/or other parts of the central nervous system.
Living donors are spouses, in-law relatives, and close friends, co-workers.
A surgical procedure commonly used to remove the kidney. It involves an incision of about 10 inches (25.4 cm), which is made along the left side along the bottom of the lower rib to the middle of the stomach. The kidney is carefully disconnected from its blood supply, the veins and arteries are clamped off, and then the kidney is gently lifted out.
Paired exchange is when two separate but willing donors are each unable to donate to their intended recipients due to blood group (ABO) incompatibility. In this program, the willing donors are matched with the other's respective recipient so that each recipient can receive a kidney with a compatible blood type.
A persistent loss of brain function that leaves the patient awake but unaware. The condition does not require respiratory or circulatory support (a ventilator).
An inherited disorder characterized by many cysts in the liver. Abdominal discomfort from swelling of the liver may occur however most affected individuals do not have any symptoms. In some cases, PLD appears to occur randomly with no apparent cause (sporadic). Other cases are thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait.
Source: WebMD
The surgical removal of organs and tissues intended for transplantation this is performed in an operating room.
Living donors are brothers and sisters, parents, children 18 years of age and older as well as other blood relatives, including aunts, uncles, cousins, half-siblings, nieces and nephews.
Movements that are caused by electrical impulses conducted by, or originating from nerves or spinal cord rather than the brain.
A sudden loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion caused by rupture or obstruction of an artery of the brain.
A blood test determines genetic makeup by testing the white blood cells for what is known as "human leukocyte antigens" or HLA.
A machine which mechanically assists a patient?s breathing, or takes over this function when they cannot breathe.
A a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). You may be at risk for hepatitis C and should contact your medical care provider for a blood test if you:Were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C;
- Have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago;
- Received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992; and
- Were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987.
Source: U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases
An inherited disorder in which excessive amounts of copper accumulate in the body. Although the accumulation of copper begins at birth, symptoms of the disorder appear between the ages of 6 and 40. Liver disease is the primary consequence for approximately 40 percent of patients.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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