The Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute
|
ProgramsKidney/Pancreas TransplantationLiving DonorsThe Gift of a KidneyDonating a kidney is one of the greatest gifts we can give to a loved one. Blood relatives, the spouse, or close friends of the kidney transplant recipients can be considered as donors. Living donor transplantation is possible because we are born with two kidneys. After removal of one kidney, the remaining kidney takes over completely. Recent studies that examined the long-term effects of kidney donation have not demonstrated any increased risk of kidney disease or decreased lifespan compared to the general population. The main advantage of living donation for recipients is that they do not have to wait for years on dialysis to receive a transplant. Many studies have shown better survival of kidneys transplanted from living donors. Potential living donor candidates also undergo extensive medical and psychosocial evaluation before donation to ensure their safety and well-being. Blood and tissue typing tests are the initial steps to decide the compatibility of the donor with the recipient. Subsequent testing of donors is necessary to show normal renal function and exclude health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart, liver disease, and infection. Psychosocial evaluation should demonstrate the donor's cognitive ability about their decision for being a donor without coercion. The suitability of the blood vessels of your kidney for donation is determined with an MR or CT scan, which shows the kidneys, blood vessels, and ureters. This is performed in outpatient radiology as part of the evaluation procedure. Dye may be injected during the scan to help show the veins and arteries of each kidney. The donor's medical expenses related to the evaluation, surgery, hospitalization, and immediate postoperative care are covered by the recipient's insurance company. If any problems arise in the future directly related to the kidney donor surgery, these are covered as well. ExclusionLaparoscopic Kidney RemovalBenefits and RisksLaparoscopic Surgeons |