Today in the United States there are almost as many living kidney donors as deceased. In many cases those who are listed at a transplant center may have friends or family members who wish to be considered as a candidate for the gift. The five kidney transplant centers in the Washington area allow such gifts to those who are waiting on the waiting list. WRTC also manages the Living Kidney Donor Program. In both options there is much information to learn about living donation before deciding to go forward. Call 1-866-Be-A-Donor if you are interested in learning more about kidney donation.

Why is there a need for living kidney donors?

Since the 1980s the transplant waiting list has more than tripled while the amount of deceased donors has stayed the same. Currently, more than half of the patients on the entire waiting list are waiting for a kidney. Such patients are forced to undergo years of dialysis treatment in order to stay alive while they wait. Every person has two kidneys, but can live a perfectly healthy life with only one. In addition, studies have shown that patients who receive kidneys from living donors have higher success rates than those who receive their organs from deceased donors.

How can I become a living donor?

If you know someone on the waiting list and wish to be tested to see if you are a match, ask that person for the name and number of his or her transplant coordinator. You will be evaluated to see if you are suitable for donation. If you are able and choose to donate, the recovery and transplant will take place at that center. If you are NOT a match, but wish to continue, you have another option: The Washington Regional Voluntary Living Donor Program.

What if I need a kidney at some time in my life and I've donated one?

If you have donated a kidney and at some point in your life need a kidney, you will automatically be given credit on the waiting list so that you will be placed near the top.

What are some rule-outs for potential living kidney donors?

Candidates must be at least 18 and usually not more than 65. Because transplant professionals will not want to do anything that will harm the health of the donor, candidates must be in very good general health with no prior cardiac or kidney disease problems. In addition, if a potential donor is overweight, they may be asked to lose weight before the surgery can be performed. Every transplant center and the Washington Regional Voluntary Living Donor Program have extensive evaluation processes for every potential candidate.

How long does the donation surgery take?

The actual donation surgery could take anywhere from three to five hours depending on a variety of clinical factors.

How long will I be out of work?

The average living kidney donor can expect to be out of work anywhere from two to six weeks. Some but not all employers offer paid organ donor leave for such circumstances.  If you think your employer might institute such a plan, the federal government offers a model to follow.

What are the risks associated with living kidney donation?

The risks associated with the donation are the same as with any major surgery. Donating one kidney and living with one kidney, generally does not affect life expectancy or quality of life. However, there is a slightly increased risk of high blood pressure, a slightly increased incidence of kidney failure, and the possibility of injuring or developing disease in the remaining kidney. The risk of dying from any surgical complication is extremely small (approximately four in 10,000).

The United Network for Organ Sharing is an excellent reference for potential living donors.

Ashley received a kidney from her neighbor Dennis