In Lviv, a man selflessly donated part of his liver to save his wife's life. This is a rare occurrence in transplantation, as only a fraction of relatives can donate in such procedures.

The story of this woman's rescue was shared by the First Medical Association of Lviv.

Vira Stuzhuk, a 43-year-old from Ivano-Frankivsk, had been suffering from poor health throughout her adult life. She faced various gynecological issues, frequently caught colds, and constantly felt weak with stomach pain.

For years, doctors struggled to identify the cause of her ailments, merely treating her symptoms. Last year, Vira's condition worsened, leading to severe itching and yellowing of the skin.

"I just couldn't stop scratching my skin. It felt like my body was on fire," the patient recalls.

Vira underwent further examinations. At St. Panteleimon Hospital in Lviv, she received a precise diagnosis: a congenital autoimmune disease gradually destroying her liver.

"Vira's immune system mistakenly attacks her own cells, viewing them as foreign. Ultimately, this led to liver cirrhosis, and only an organ transplant could save her," the doctors explain.

Vira was placed on the waiting list for a deceased donor, and her husband Serhiy was tested for compatibility. The chances were slim: only about 25% of relatives are suitable for living liver donation due to complex anatomical and immunological requirements.

But this time, a miracle occurred – Serhiy, who has the same blood type as his wife, met all the criteria.

"I made the decision to be a donor in an instant. After all, she's my wife. I couldn't do otherwise," Serhiy states.

Experts from the Transplant Center performed a complex operation: they divided Serhiy's liver and transplanted a portion to Vira. Both successfully underwent the procedure and are now recovering together.

Earlier, in Kyiv's "Okhmatdyt," the first ABO-incompatible liver transplant for a child was performed in Ukraine – a transplant where the donor's blood type does not match the recipient's.