Transplant Options

Doctor discussing with a patient

There are a number of options for those interested in becoming a kidney donor:

Living Donor Transplantation

A family member, friend or unrelated person agrees to donate a healthy kidney to someone with endstage renal disease. This is a scheduled surgery.

Laparoscopic Donor Surgery

A living donor kidney is removed through small incisions rather than the long incisions of the past. This is associated with a shorter hospital stay (48 hours) and a shorter recovery time that may result in less pain for the donor. Individual results may vary. Talk with your doctor to determine if laparoscopic surgery is right for you

ABO Incompatible Transplant

This procedure is designed for donors and recipients who do not have compatible blood types. In the past, this incompatibility would result in the body’s rejection of the transplanted kidney. ABO transplants are possible between some recipients and donors, but not all. Medical treatment before and after transplantation to lower antibody levels to prevent rejection is required. This type of transplantation may help reduce waiting time for some patients.

Living Donor Paired Kidney Exchange

Here is how it works: Donor One has a healthy kidney to give. A recipient has been offered a kidney by Donor Two but it is not a match. Donor One’s kidney is a match for the recipient. Therefore, Donor One’s kidney is transplanted into the recipient. If not for Donor One, the recipient would have to wait for a deceased donor kidney. An altruistic donor may also start a kidney transplant exchange.