A QUICK LOOK AT HOW TO DONATE A KIDNEY

JUST THE FACTS

The following information was taken directly from the the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) website: muschealth org.

The purpose of MUSC providing such information is to hopefully make the living kidney donor application submission process and the follow through a lot easier. Please take the next step as a living kidney donor now.

There are more than 91,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant, and they will be waiting an

average of three to five years. The number of kidneys available from deceased donors isn’t enough to meet this demand, and thousands of people die each year waiting for an organ to become available. There is another way, however.

Living kidney donation is a great option for qualified donors and recipients. In fact, donating a kidney to a family member, friend, co-worker or even a stranger is often the best way to provide the lifesaving treatment they need.

Photos: MUSC Health.

MUSC HEALTH LIVING DONOR PROGRAM has been in place for more than 30 years. We’re ready to help you give the ultimate gift – the gift of life.

We are here to support and guide you each step of the way. To speak with a member of the Living Donor Program team call 843-792-5097.

The first step a living kidney donor candidate needs to do is go on the MUSC website (muschealth.org) and look for the LIVING KIDNEY DONATION page and register as a living kidney donor. There you will find a form to fill out.

Living Kidney Donation: The Gold Standard for Kidney Transplants

Living donation is the process by which a living donor chooses to have a surgeon remove one of their kidneys and transplant it into a waiting recipient. Living donor kidneys are usually much higher quality than kidneys from deceased donors. They are the gold standard in kidney transplant surgery.

Greater Benefits for the Recipient

Those currently waiting for a kidney transplant, a donation could be the key to achieving greater health. Compared to kidneys received from deceased donors:

Living donor kidneys begin to work immediately, before the recipient's transplant surgery is even finished.
A kidney from a living donor may help prevent the recipient from ever going on dialysis. If they are already on dialysis, they may be able to stop it immediately.
Living donor kidneys usually last much longer than kidneys received from deceased donors. Kidneys from living donors last an average of 20 years.
Refer below for the LIVING DONOR vs. CADAVER (DECEASED) DONOR CHART for additional information.

The Living Donor Process

If you’re interested in donating a kidney, there are several things to keep in mind. First, the entire process is completely elective. In fact, you’ll need to contact one of our Living Donor Program coordinators to get started. There is absolutely no pressure on you to begin or complete the process.

Once you’ve expressed interest in donating an organ, you’ll need to provide a personal and family medical history. If we determine you’re a suitable donor candidate, you’ll undergo several initial screening tests, including blood, urine, and blood pressure analysis.

If these results are satisfactory, your program coordinator will help you schedule the remaining evaluation and testing, which is typically a two-day process.

Kidney Donation Surgery

Once we confirm you’re a suitable donor, we schedule your donation on a date that’s most convenient for you.

Kidney donation surgery is a robotic procedure. This minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical method reduces scarring and pain. Because of MUSC Health’s expertise in living kidney donation, kidney donors are usually able to return home quickly, often within one to two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to become a kidney donor?

Living kidney donors are in good general health with no obvious signs of kidney disease.

What is the kidney donor registry?

The National Kidney Donor Registry is a national program to match up incompatible pairs of kidney donors and recipients.

What are the risks of donating a kidney?

These are well tolerated procedures with minimal overall risk and less than a 1% risk of serious surgical complications.

What is the recovery process like for kidney donors?

The length of stay in the hospital is on average 1 day and people usually take approximately 2-3 weeks at home to recover fully.

Will I have a scar?

There are usually 3 small scars as this is done with laparoscopic instruments.

Is there an age limit for kidney donors?

Potential living kidney donors are typically between the ages of 18 and 75.

Donor and Recipient Cost

Most medical costs associated with living donation are covered by the recipient’s insurance. Ask the recipient or MUSC to contact their insurance provider to get all the details you will need. MUSC has a financial team dedicated to helping transplant recipients and donors navigate this process.

If you have any question pertaining to becoming a donor or to discuss the transplant procedure further, please speak with a member of the Living Donor Program team at MUSC by calling: 843-792-5097.