Topic Overview

Kidney transplantation is the best way known to save a person's life after he or she develops kidney failure. In the past, kidneys were only taken from living close relatives or from people who had recently died (cadavers). Transplants from living donors have a much better chance of success than those from cadaver donors. Also, the waiting time for a cadaver kidney can be as long as 4 years in the United States. For this reason, more people are making the decision to become kidney donors.

Who can become a kidney donor?

Almost anyone can become a kidney donor. You must be at least 18 years old and in good health. You cannot have other diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, or heart failure. Most donors are younger than 60. The donor and the recipient must have compatible blood types.

What steps should I take to become a kidney donor?

If you decide to become a kidney donor, samples of your blood will be drawn for testing, including your blood type and other genetic information (HLA type) to see how well you match the recipient. These tests will be repeated 7 to 10 days before the surgery if you decide to become a donor.

If your blood type and genetic information match that of the recipient, you will meet with social workers at the transplant facility to discuss other obligations. You will be given information, such as how much time you will need to take off from work and details of surgery and the recovery process, that will help you make an informed decision. Your meetings with the social work team will be strictly confidential.

When will I meet with a doctor?

After you have decided to become a kidney donor and your crossmatch results are known, you will be evaluated by a doctor, usually a nephrologist. Your evaluation will begin with a medical history and physical exam. You will have a series of lab tests to screen for kidney function, including chemistry screen, urinalysis, and urine tests for protein. You may also have a CT scan of the kidneys to evaluate your kidneys, urinary tract, and other structures in your pelvis.

What is involved in kidney transplant surgery?

You will be given a general anesthetic before your surgery. Until recently, the removal of a kidney required an 8 in. (20.3 cm) to 9 in. (22.9 cm) incision on one side of the body (flank). Now, laparoscopy is usually used to remove the donor kidney. Advantages of laparoscopic kidney removal include less pain, shorter hospital stays, a more rapid return to normal activities, and a smaller, less noticeable scar.