The liver is a remarkable organ, essential for detoxifying harmful substances and regulating metabolism. Despite its resilience, it can be vulnerable to damage from poor lifestyle choices, infections, and chronic conditions. For patients with end-stage liver disease, especially children, a liver transplant may be their only hope.
While adult patients often receive livers from deceased donors, children frequently benefit more from living donor liver transplants. This procedure involves transplanting a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor, usually a close relative. The liver’s unique ability to regenerate allows both the donor and recipient to recover with fully functioning livers.
Dr. Xia Qiang, a renowned liver surgeon and president of Renji Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, sheds light on this life-saving procedure. “For young patients, time is critical. Living donor liver transplantation reduces waiting times and improves survival rates,” he explains.
China adheres to strict ethical principles guiding organ donation, ensuring procedures respect donor consent and prioritize patient welfare. Public awareness initiatives, like China’s National Protect Liver Day on March 18, highlight the importance of liver health and organ donation.
By promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting organ donation, communities can make a profound difference in the lives of children battling liver disease.
