The most successful matches come from immediate family members since they
share many similar genes. However, matches are possible from extended
family, friends, coworkers, and even altruistic donors. The success rate
of living kidney donor kidneys, no matter what the relationship, is significantly
greater than those from deceased donors.
The recipient’s insurance will pay for the workup process, surgery
and post-surgery clinic visits. Donors are responsible for their own transportation,
lodging and any lost wages. Our transplant navigators are available to
answer any questions related to expenses and potential financial resources.
One of our transplant coordinators will schedule a surgery date that is
convenient for you. Usually, a donor will be seen a few days before surgery
for final evaluations and tests to ensure that his or her kidneys are
functioning correctly.
A laparoscopic nephrectomy is a less invasive surgical procedure used for
living kidney donation. Donors are usually mobile a few hours after surgery
and return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Other advantages
of this less invasive procedure include fewer complications, a shorter
hospital stay, less pain and better cosmetic results. However, if a traditional
open-nephrectomy surgery is necessary, our surgeons have an extensive
background in these procedures as well.
The donor is taken to the operating room where a general anesthetic is
used throughout the surgery. Immediately afterward, the removed kidney
is taken into another operating room to be transplanted in the recipient.
Often, the kidney begins to function in the recipient before the donor
is in the recovery room. The donor procedure usually lasts about three-to-four hours.
Recovery can be different for each patient. The donor is usually hospitalized
for three-to-five days. Donors typically return to work four weeks after
the surgery. All heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided
for about four weeks.
No – according to a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor,
individuals who choose to donate an organ are covered under the Family
Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and do not have to fear losing their job. Organ
donation qualifies as a “serious medical condition,” since
donors require hospital stays and inpatient care.
