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Donor

What is live kidney donation? Top
It is the donation of a kidney from a live person to a patient whose native kidneys are no longer working.  
   
What are the advantages of live kidney donation?  

Living kidney donation is rightly named the "gift of life." Without a healthy living donor, the potential kidney recipient waits years for a deceased kidney donation. Donors are able to make an immediate and dramatic impact on another person's life. There are tremendous physical and emotional benefits for kidney recipients once they are off dialysis:

  • Kidneys from a living donor usually function more quickly because there is less delay between removing the organ and transplanting it
  • Living kidney transplants typically last longer than transplants from a deceased donor
  • The ability to donate a kidney to a person in need can be a very positive experience
  • The transplant surgery can be scheduled for a time that is convenient for both the recipient and donor
  • Transplants can greatly improve a recipient's quality of life; if it is able to happen more quickly for them, they will realise more of a benefit
  
   
Who can donate? Top
A live donor can be a family member or a spouse. The donor must be in good health and not have high blood pressure or diseases like diabetes, cancer and kidney, heart or blood disease. Also, the donor's blood type should preferably match the recipient's.  
   
What are some rule-outs for potential living kidney donors?  
Candidates must be at least 18 and usually not more than 65. Because transplant professionals will not want to do anything that will harm the health of the donor, candidates must be in very good general health with no prior cardiac or kidney disease problems. In addition, if a potential donor is overweight, they may be asked to lose weight before the surgery can be performed. Every transplant center and the Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority have extensive evaluation processes for every potential candidate.  
   
What are the risks? Top
The risks associated with the donation are the same as with any major surgery. Donating one kidney and living with one kidney, generally does not affect life expectancy or quality of life. However, there is a slightly increased risk of high blood pressure, a slightly increased incidence of kidney failure, and the possibility of injuring or developing disease in the remaining kidney. The risk of dying from any surgical complication is extremely small (approximately four in 10,000).  
   
Who pays for the donor's surgery?  
The recipient covers all the costs of living kidney donation.  
   
Are living donors compensated for their kidneys? Top
No, compensation for organ donation is illegal.  
   
How will I know if I am suitable to donate?  
You will have a thorough medical and surgical and psychological assessment to establish that you are fit and healthy to donate. A number of people who wish to donate find that they are not able to do so because health problems are discovered through the assessment process.  
   
Will I have to change my lifestyle after donating? Top
There is no specific reason why you should not be able to lead a normal healthy life as before.  
   
Will donating my kidney affect a future pregnancy or fathering a child?  
There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. A man’s fertility will not be affected.  
   
How long does the donation surgery take? Top
The actual donation surgery could take anywhere from three to five hours depending on a variety of clinical factors.  
   
How long will I be in hospital?  
This varies depending on your individual recovery. Many donors only spend one day in the hospital. However, it is not uncommon for someone to have to spend 2 or 3 days in the hospital to recover.  
   
How long will I be out of work? Top
The average living kidney donor can expect to be out of work anywhere from two to six weeks.  
   
Will I need to take any medication after donating?  
You will need to take some painkillers immediately after the operation and during the recovery period. However, you should not need any long-term medication as a result of kidney donation.  
   
What about follow-up? Top
You would usually be seen by the transplant team between two and six weeks after donation.  
   
What if I need a kidney at some time in my life and I've donated one?  
If you have donated a kidney and at some point in your life need a kidney, you will need a transplant.  
   
If you are interested in becoming a living donor, read our Guidelines for Donations.