What is kidney donation?

Kidney transplantation is the best way known to save a person's life after the person develops kidney failure. In the past, kidneys were only taken from living close relatives or from people who had recently died. Transplants from living donors have a better chance of success than those from deceased donors. Also, in the United States some people wait more than 5 years for a deceased donor kidney. For this reason, more people are choosing to become kidney donors.

A living donor needs to be:

• In good general health.
• Free from diseases that can damage the organs, such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer.
• At least 18 years old, in most cases.

What to know

• You can donate to someone you know or to someone in need by donating to the national waiting list.
• You need a number of medical tests before you can donate.
• You don't pay for your medical costs.
• If you have questions about organ donation, talk to your doctor, a trusted friend, or your faith leader.
• Most religions allow organ donation.
• Some organizations won't accept people with only one kidney. These include fire departments and branches of the military.
• To learn more about kidney donation, contact the National Kidney Foundation, the American Association of Kidney Patients, or the United Network for Organ Sharing.

You will be given a general anesthetic before your surgery. Until recently, the removal of a kidney required an 8 in. (20 cm) to 9 in. (23 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.

After you decide to be a kidney donor, you will get a blood test called a cross-match. This test shows whether the recipient's body will immediately reject your donor organ.

Next you will be evaluated by a doctor, usually a nephrologist. The doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your past health. You will have a series of lab tests to screen for kidney function. These include a chemistry screen (blood test), 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.