Understanding kidney transplant
A kidney transplant is a surgery to put a donated kidney into your body. It is the preferred treatment for kidney failure. The new kidney takes over the job of filtering your blood.
Living donor kidney
Living donor kidneys work much longer than deceased donor kidneys. For this reason, you are strongly encouraged to talk with your friends and family. But the donor does not have to be related to you. Their kidney must match your blood type and immune system. A person can safely donate a kidney if they are in good health and pass all the medical tests.
Notes for a donor
Here are some things to know before donating a kidney:
- You can only donate if your blood type is compatible with the recipient's blood type. Other types of matching will also be done.
- You will be given a full medical checkup. This is to make sure you are healthy enough to donate.
- Your kidney is usually removed by a laparoscopic or robotic assisted method. This uses a few small incisions. In some cases, an open procedure is used. This is done with a longer incision. Recovery time is longer after an open procedure.
- You have 2 kidneys. When you have 1 kidney removed, your other kidney will take over and keep you healthy. Talk with your provider about the possible complications of surgery.
- Some of the costs of donating a kidney are covered by the recipient's insurance. Talk with the social worker to get all cost and insurance information.
The need for kidneys to transplant continues to increase. If you want to donate a kidney when you die, go to www.organdonor.gov. You can also learn more at www.transplantliving.org.
