A brother who donated 60% of his liver to his ailing brother died 2 days later. Ryan Arnold, 34 was a healthy father of three when he made the choice to donate part of his liver to his brother Chad, 38 who was in the later stages of liver disease.
In a procedure that removes a majority portion of the healthy liver to literally replace the diseased liver, the desired result is both livers eventually regenerating to normal size. It is usually only a .5 percent risk of the donor dying from the procedure, the biggest risk being rejection and or the removal of too much or too little of the healthy liver by doctors.
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The University of Colorado Hospital has launched an investigation into what could have gone wrong and released the following statement;
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ryan Arnold, a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. We too, came to know him and the whole Arnold family as a wonderful group of generous souls. Ryan’s passing is heartbreaking for his family, The University of Colorado Hospital and the entire community. We have all lost someone special. Despite the risks, Ryan selflessly made the decision to give part of his liver to his brother Chad. We will learn everything we can from this to keep making the phenomenal gift of transplant safe for donors as well as recipients. We will continue working to improve this vital, life-changing program, which pioneered liver transplants 40 years ago. Ryan’s passing will not be in vain.”