The living related liver transplant: the experience of donors during the donation process

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the experience of donors undergoing the donation process for living related liver transplantation in a public hospital. Methods: A qualitative study was performed according to the modality “structure of the situated phenomenon”. Seven potential donors who had already concluded the preparation process and were awaiting the procedure participated in the study. Results: After obtaining these answers they were analyzed individually, calling attention for the following themes: “The search for a solution”, “The knowledge of the possibility of doing a Living Related Liver Transplant ”, “The decision to donate”, “The preparation for the liver transplant “, “ The time waiting for the Living Related Liver Transplant”, “the importance of the family in the process”. Conclusion: The essential aspects of the phenomenon were revealed to be those of living through a situation of searching for and difficulties in finding a solution for their child’s disease, of certainty in the decision to donate part of their liver to save the child’s life, together with anxiety in the waiting period, fear of losing the child before the procedure is performed and hope that the transplant will be successful.