a live donor has no potential benefits to the recipient aside from allowing the transplant to take place. the complication rate is the same as deceased donor liver transplantation but the complications are different.
For a guide to the Living Donor process see:
http://www.transplant.bc.ca/pre_livingliver.htm
It is a good overview of the entire process and explains the benefits for the recipient and risks to the donor. It describes the entire process (select "Information guide for potential live liver donors" )
Also read "FAQ" on same site.
I have recently decided to be a living donor, specifically for my father's transplant surgey. If the doctors approve, what are the potential harms/risks are there of being a living donor for my father. I would really liek to help him out with this, but I need to know if it is a better for him to have a living donor, then a deceased donor.
Thnak You.
...risks immediately related to the surgery such as decompensation of the liver or bleeding and its attendant complications.
by risks do you mean long-term risks after the surgery is done, or life-threatening risks during the actual surgery?
patients with cirrhosis have much higher risks with cholecystectomy than the general population, as well as for liver decompensation. One should try to avoid this if all all possible in cirrhotic patients, but if surgery is necessary it should be undertaken at the liver transplant center by experienced surgeons.