[Donor quality of life after living donor liver transplantation].

Background: Quality of life of the donor after living donor liver transplantation has not been evaluated in Brazil yet.

Aim: To evaluate the quality of live of the donor after living donor liver transplantation.

Methods: Of a total of 300 liver transplantations, 51 were of living donors. All donors with less than 6 months of follow-up and those who did not want to participate were excluded from the study. The donors answered a questionnaire contained 28 questions about several aspects of donation. Demographic and clinical data from the donors were also evaluated.

Results: Thirty-seven donors were included in the study. Thirty-two were first or second degree relatives of the receptor. Only one donor would not donate again. Twenty-two donors (59%) experienced more postoperative pain than they had previously anticipated. Return to regular activities occurred in less than 3 months for 21 donors (57%). Twenty-one donors (57%) referred financial loss with the donation due to expenses with medications, exams, transportation or lost wages. Thirty-three (89%) had no modification or limitation in their lives after donation. The most negative aspects of donation were postoperative pain and the presence of a surgical scar. Most postoperative complications resolved with clinical treatment, but severe or potentially fatal complications occurred in two patients.

Conclusions: Most donors had good recovery and returned to regular activities few months after donation. The most negative aspect of donation was postoperative pain.