With living kidney donation, surgeons remove a kidney from a healthy person so they can place it in a person who needs a working kidney. The donor’s remaining kidney takes over the function for the kidney that was removed.
Donors are usually close family members, like parents, children or siblings. Extended family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues and even strangers may also be considered.
Compared to kidneys from a deceased donor, living kidney donation has:
Banner Health has a specialized team that supports prospective donors, so they understand the donation and transplant process, potential risks and long-term health needs associated with their decision to donate a kidney.
When you become a kidney donor, you help someone else improve their health and their quality of life. Your remaining kidney can still provide up to 80% of the kidney function you had with two kidneys, and your donated kidney gives the recipient up to 80% of the kidney function of two healthy kidneys.
Some people may wait for a kidney for 10 years or more and many people die before they receive the kidney they need. Your donation could save someone’s life.
If you choose to donate a kidney, you’ll first be evaluated. To qualify, you need to meet these requirements:
Your evaluation is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside of the transplant team, including the person you intend to donate to.
Choosing to donate is your decision. You can change your mind at any time.
Living donor kidney transplant surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, and most people go home from the hospital within two days.
Living kidney donor recovery is similar to recovery for other types of surgery. You should be able to return to work or school in about two weeks. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to wait six weeks or switch to less-demanding work for a few weeks.
Most of the time, people donate a kidney to someone they know. But in some cases, your blood or tissue type might not be compatible. When this happens, kidney paired donation may be an option.
With kidney paired donation, your transplant center can coordinate transplants among different donors and recipients. That way, you can still donate a kidney to someone else who needs one and your intended recipient gets a kidney from another donor.
Most of the medical costs are covered by the recipient’s health insurance, including:
Would you like to learn more about becoming a living donor? Reach out to one of our locations:
When you reach out for a consultation, you’ll have a chance to ask all of your questions. You’ll also get access to educational videos and brochures, as well as support groups, peer mentors and counseling.
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