Someone in your family, maybe even a friend of yours, is suffering from kidney disease. How difficult is it for you to watch them go to dialysis every day? So, what if you could give that person a new life by donating one of your kidneys? This is a really big decision. And a very noble thing. Therefore, today we will simply talk about this wonderful process called kidney donation.
What is kidney donation in simple terms?
Simply put, kidney donation is the surgical removal of a kidney from one person and transplantation into another person whose kidneys are failing.
Imagine, a living person donates one of their kidneys. A brain-dead person can get both kidneys. The biggest question you may have is, "Can you live with one kidney?" Yes, you can! A person with one healthy kidney can live a long, healthy life without any problems.
What conditions can be cured by kidney donation?
Donating a kidney helps someone who is suffering from renal failure . Renal failure is a condition in which both of your kidneys are not working properly.
The kidneys are one of the main organs of the urinary system in our body. Their job is to filter waste products and unnecessary water from the blood and excrete them from the body as urine.
Also, the kidneys are very important for balancing electrolytes such as potassium and sodium in the body and controlling blood pressure.
When the kidneys fail, water accumulates in the body, causing swelling in the legs (edema). Fluid builds up around the lungs (pleural effusion) and around the heart (pericardial effusion). This can cause the heart to not work properly, leading to heart failure. Potassium levels can also become dangerously high, causing irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and even sudden cardiac death.
That's why kidney failure is a fatal disease without treatment. A person with this condition will either have to undergo lifelong dialysis or undergo a kidney transplant.
What are the ways to donate a kidney?
There are two main ways to donate a kidney. Either from a living person, or from someone who has recently died (brain dead). There are several ways in which a living person can donate. Let's explain this further in this table.
| Donation method | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| From a living relative (Living Related) | Donating a kidney by a blood relative (parents, siblings). |
| From a living unrelated person (Living Unrelated) | Donating to a friend, spouse, or someone who is not related to you. |
| Directed Donation | The donor chooses precisely who to give their kidney to. |
| Paired Exchange | This is a little complicated. Imagine that you want to donate a kidney to your relative, but your blood types are not compatible. And you want to donate a kidney to another relative, but they are not compatible. But your kidney is a match for the second relative, and the other person's kidney is a match for your relative. Then, the two donors exchange kidneys. |
| Altruistic Donation | The donor does not know the person who will receive their kidney. They donate solely with the noble intention of saving the life of a stranger who needs help. |
Who is eligible to donate a kidney while alive?
Donating a kidney is a big responsibility. Therefore, the donor must be completely healthy. There are several qualifications that must be met.
- Age: To donate a kidney, you must be at least 18 years old . Because someone younger than that cannot legally consent to such a big decision. However, there is no upper age limit. Even a 90-year-old who is healthy can successfully donate a kidney.
- Physical Health: A doctor will examine your overall health. They will check your medical history, whether anyone in your family has had kidney disease, the medications you are taking, and the functioning of your kidneys and other organs. Pregnant women cannot donate kidneys. They must also have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35. People who smoke or vape cannot donate kidneys. All of this is done to ensure the safety of the donor.
- Mental health: A team of doctors will also check your mental health. This is a big deal, both physically and mentally. They will talk about the stress that may arise after the surgery and your ability to cope with it. Psychiatrists and social workers will be involved in this. Sometimes, even special counselors will be involved in this process to make sure that no one is forcing you .
What tests should be done before donating?
Before deciding whether you are suitable to donate a kidney, the medical team will perform a series of tests.
- Blood tests
- Antibody tests
- Age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., colonoscopy, mammogram and Pap smear for women)
- Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans
- Tests such as EKG and exercise stress test to check heart health
- Urinalysis to check if the kidneys are healthy
- A 24-hour blood pressure test
- Pregnancy test
How is the surgery done?
Surgery to remove the kidney (called a `radical nephrectomy`) usually takes about two to three hours.
First, the anesthesiologist will put you completely asleep (general anesthesia). So you won't feel any pain or be conscious. Then, a Foley catheter will be inserted to monitor your urine output.
With today's advanced technology, this surgery is often performed using a keyhole approach (laparoscopic approach) . This means that instead of one large incision, 3-5 very small incisions are made in your abdomen. A thin instrument with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one incision, watched on a monitor, and the kidney is removed using small instruments inserted through other incisions. This method results in faster healing and less scarring.
The removed kidney is quickly taken to the recipient patient, usually in a nearby operating room at the same hospital, and transplanted.
What happens after the surgery and how is the recovery?
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room for observation. When you wake up from the anesthesia, you will feel a little sluggish. You will be given medication to control the pain. You can gradually start eating and drinking. Getting out of bed and walking as soon as possible will speed up the healing process.
You usually have to stay in the hospital for two or three days. After you go home, it is very important to have someone to take care of you for at least a week.
It takes between 4 and 6 weeks to fully recover and resume normal activities. During this time, you should avoid lifting heavy objects (more than 5 kg) and driving (at least 2 weeks). If you are a woman, you are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least a year.
What are the benefits and risks of donating a kidney?
The biggest advantage of this is the self-satisfaction that comes from giving life to another person. Also, when a kidney is taken from a living person, it stays functional for about 15-20 years longer than if it was taken from a deceased person. The risk of rejection is also lower.
Like any surgery, this one has some risks.
- Blood clots
- Bacterial infection
- Hernia
- Scarring
After surgery, your kidney function will decrease to some extent. That may sound scary. However, after a while, your remaining kidney will grow larger, stronger, and start doing the work of two. So, there will be no problems in the long run.
A few other important questions
Does donating a kidney shorten your life?
No. Studies have shown that donating a kidney does not shorten the donor's lifespan or increase the risk of developing kidney disease in the future.
What if I need a kidney myself after donating?
The chances of this happening are very low. But if it does happen, as a kidney donor, you will be given top priority on the kidney transplant waiting list. You will receive a kidney soon.
When do you need to see the doctor?
After surgery, if you experience excessive bleeding from the incisions, signs of infection (fever, foul-smelling discharge from the wound), blood in your urine, or dizziness, notify your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Donating a kidney is the greatest gift that can save someone's life.
- With one healthy kidney, you can live a completely healthy, long life.
- Before donating a kidney, a series of rigorous medical and psychological tests are performed to ensure the donor's safety.
- It takes some time to recover after surgery, and patience and rest are essential.
- It is illegal to receive money for donating a kidney. The medical costs of the surgery are usually covered by the recipient's insurance.
- If you are thinking about this, talk to your doctor before making a decision and be fully informed about all the information and risks.
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