Living Kidney Donation
Donating one's kidney to a loved one in need of a transplant is an important decision and a unique gift. Kidney transplantation enables a patient suffering from kidney disease to stop dialysis treatments, and to enjoy a life filled with more freedom, energy and productivity.
Many transplant recipients are able to return to work if they desire, eat a much less restrictive diet, improve their sexual life and experience an overall improvement in their quality of life. Donating a kidney can be one of life's greatest experiences, however it should be entered into with a complete understanding of the living donation process.
Is living kidney donation a common procedure? Top of Page
Yes. In fact the first successful kidney transplant was performed in the United States in 1954 before living identical twins. Since that time, due to advances in the science of immunology and the discovery of new immunosuppressive medications, it has become increasingly more common for living blood relatives and certain unrelated individuals to successfully donate a kidney.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), in 2002 there were nearly 14,000 kidney transplants in the United States. Over 6,000 of those kidneys came from living donors. Living kidney donation has increased in each of the last ten years and now accounts for more than 40% of all kidney donations.
What are the benefits of living donation? Top of Page
Greater Chance of Success
Living donor transplantation is the most successful kidney transplant procedure. Typically, living donor transplants last longer than cadaveric transplants. Based on national data provided by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 90% of living donor kidneys are functioning after one year as compared to approximately 85% of cadaveric kidneys.
Less Waiting
Living donation recipients do not need to wait on the regional kidney transplant waiting list which in California, can last several years. The operation can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for all parties. In some cases, attempts can be made to arrange the transplant before the need for dialysis.
Better Preparedness
When on a waiting list for a cadaveric kidney, a patient never knows exactly when the surgery will happen. Since a living donor kidney transplant is a scheduled surgery, patients know ahead of time when the surgery will occur. This gives patients a better opportunity to prepare both mentally and physically.
Rewarding Experience
Most living donors say that kidney donation was one of the most meaningful experiences in their lives. It can build stronger ties between patients, spouses and family members.
What are the risks? Top of Page
Typically there is little risk to the donor. Of course there is the usual risk and pain associated with any surgery, but they are usually minimal due to the excellent health of the donor. If you have any questions regarding the specific risks a potential donor may face, contact us at (415) 600-1000.
How will the surgery affect the donor's life? Top of Page
The surgical procedure to remove a kidney from the donor is called a nephrectomy and takes approximately two to three hours. After donation, a healthy person can lead a normal life with only one kidney. Living donation does not affect the ability of women to have children. Most donors are able to return to their former level of activity within 3 to 6 weeks.
What is laparoscopic nephrectomy? Top of Page
Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for obtaining a kidney from a living donor that can make the process easier.
In comparison to the standard operation, it results in a smaller incision, lessens recuperation time and usually shortens hospital stays. Many donors are discharged from the hospital after approximately four days.
Not all donors can undergo laparoscopic nephrectomy. One or two radiologic tests will be performed to see if a laparoscopic nephrectomy is a possibility for any particular donor. Other living donors undergo a conventional nephrectomy. California Pacific Medical Center was the first kidney transplant center in the Bay area to perform a laparoscopic nephrectomy in 1998.
What is the financial cost to the living donor? Top of Page
Typically there is no cost to the donor. Expenses associated with the medical evaluation, the surgery and the follow-up care are usually paid for by the recipient's health insurance. Transplant Financial Coordinators can help you with your specific circumstances.
Types of living donors Top of Page
In general, most living donors are between the ages of 18 and 60 and in excellent health. Anyone from the groups below can be evaluated as a potential donor. There are two types of living donrors:
Living Related Donors
Living related donors are healthy blood relatives of patients awaiting a transplant. They can be:
* brothers and sisters
* parents
* children over 18 years of age
* other blood relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins, half brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews)
Living Unrelated or "Emotionally related" Donors
Living unrelated or "emotionally related" donors are healthy individuals emotionally close to, but not blood related to patients awaiting a transplant. They can be:
* spouses
* in-law relatives
* close friends
The donor evaluation process
It is very important that all potential donors be genuinely willing to donate, in excellent health, of a compatible blood type and immunologically compatible with the recipient.
The initial screening process involves some questions and a general health review by a nurse coordinator. Routine blood tests are also drawn to determine the potential donor's compatability with the patient awaiting a transplant.
After these initial screening tests, a final donor candidate undergoes further evaluation consisting of:
In some cases, arrangements can be made with medical facilities close to the home of the potential donors to perform parts of the donor evaluation. This makes the process as easy as possible for those involved.
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