A liver transplant is a life-preserving operation that replaces a diseased and poorly functioning liver with either a whole or portion of a healthy donated liver. Liver transplantation has become a well-recognized treatment option for people with liver failure. In Canada, over 400 such operations are performed every year. Livers are donated either from individuals who have been declared brain dead and with the consent of their next of kin, or from a living donor such as a relative or friend. Liver transplant centres match donors with recipients based on compatible liver size and blood type.
