Today, because the number of people waiting for a transplant far exceeds the number of donors, living organ donation is a viable option for many transplant patients.
Donation can be an important but difficult decision. We offer educational materials and can answer questions to help the donor make a well-educated decision.
Our program offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach for all potential living donors.
Our transplant surgeons are trained to perform laparoscopic removal of the donor kidney. This helps provide a shorter recovery time and a quicker return to work and normal activities.
Benefits of Living Donation
Living donor kidneys usually function better and longer than those from deceased donors and save the recipient years of waiting for a kidney.
When a recipient has a living donor, the transplant can be scheduled. This allows for donations to take place when the recipient is in good health and when it is convenient for both the donor and the recipient
Living Donor Evaluation
Living donors can be siblings, parents, relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or acquaintances.
There are many phases to the living donor process. The Evaluation phase helps determine if you are an appropriate candidate for donation. This includes lab testing and medical screening. The Surgery phase includes the donor surgery as well as the recovery period. The surgery will be scheduled at a time convenient for the living donor and recipient. Typically, living donors spend 2-3 days in the hospital after surgery, and will have an additional four to six weeks of recovery time. The Post Donation phase includes follow up labs and a phone or clinic meeting with the transplant nurses at certain intervals for two years after the donation takes place.