Background: Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease and certain acute hepatic conditions. Globally, the number of liver transplantations continues to increase, but access remains uneven across regions. In Indonesia, liver transplantation programs are still limited and mainly rely on living donors. The development of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) programs requires identification of potential recipient characteristics.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of potential recipients for deceased donor liver transplantation at H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan.

Methods: This study used a descriptive observational design with a case series approach. Data were obtained from medical records of patients who were candidates for deceased donor liver transplantation at H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan from September 2023 to January 2025. Total sampling was used. Demographic, clinical, and organ-related characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Approximately 100 potential recipients were identified. The majority of candidates were adults aged 18–66 years with varied demographic backgrounds. The distribution of recipients showed diversity in gender, ethnicity, religion, and education level. Clinical characteristics included indications such as end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute liver failure. Organ-related characteristics included blood type compatibility and recipient viability for transplantation.

Conclusion: Candidates for deceased donor liver transplantation at H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan show diverse demographic and clinical characteristics. These findings provide important baseline data for the development of a deceased donor liver transplantation program in Indonesia.