Success for live liver transplant

The operation took about 10 hours to complete

The first successful Scottish live donor liver transplant has been carried out in Edinburgh.

The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Transplant Unit has announced the transplant was carried out on a young couple from Ardrossan, Ayrshire.

Jennifer Foster, 26, gave more than half of her liver to her husband Daniel, 28, in a 10-hour procedure.

Mrs Foster recovered relatively rapidly from her operation and was able to be discharged six days later.

Mr Foster, an IT worker, has also been discharged with every indication the new liver has grown significantly and is now capable of sustaining his life long-term.

I can never thank the entire transplant team at the ERI enough - there is nowhere else I would rather have undergone this, and they have saved my life Daniel Foster Giving the ultimate gift of life

Mr Murat Akyol and Mr Ernest Hidalgo, consultant surgeons in charge in Daniel and Jennifer's operations respectively, said in a joint statement: "This is a truly extraordinary gift from Jennifer to her husband.

"We are delighted that we were given the opportunity to undertake this procedure for them.

"It was a pleasure and relief to see Jennifer recover so quickly. It is now great to see Daniel being discharged home with every prospect of continuing to improve in the forthcoming weeks and months."

The operation was the first of its kind in Scotland.

Three previous live donor liver transplants have been performed for NHS patients in Leeds during the past year.

The liver is capable of rapid regeneration, making it possible to remove a portion of liver and transplant this to another individual.

It grows in size quickly in the recipient and will sustain the individual in good health.

'Amazing wife'

Likewise, the remnant of liver in the donor undergoes an increase in volume so that the donor is able to return to normal life after recovery from the major operation.

Mrs Foster, a student veterinary nurse, said: "I'm elated that this operation has been a success. Through the live liver donor programme, and with the help of the dedicated transplant team, we have been able to save Dan's life.

"This type of operation will open up a new avenue for some liver transplant patients who have a willing, suitable donor."

Mr Foster said: "Through the live liver donor program, and the incredible courage and love of my wife, I've been given a new chance at life.

"I can never thank the entire transplant team at the ERI enough - there is nowhere else I would rather have undergone this, and they have saved my life.

"I can't wait to start living the years ahead with my amazing wife."