Organ and Cell Transplantation - Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Related Locations
Related Services
Scripps Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation
The first living donor kidney transplant in the United States was performed in 1954 between identical twins. However, living donor kidney transplants did not become routine until the development of modern immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection. In 2001, the number of living donor kidney transplants in the U.S. exceeded for the first time the number of kidney transplants from deceased donors.
Living donor kidney transplantation is one option now available to people with kidney failure waiting for a transplant at Scripps. Most people have two kidneys. A living donor kidney transplant involves the removal of one of the two kidneys from a healthy individual who is willing to undergo surgery to donate a kidney. This option is possible because a healthy person can live with only one kidney.
There are three types of living kidney donors that can donate a kidney at Scripps.
Individuals in the first group of donors are usually family members, long-standing friends, or members of the same religious congregation. They are people who have a history of a strong emotional connection with their intended recipients. These donors are considered “directed donors” since they are directing where their donated kidney will go. Donors must be in excellent health and be between the ages of 18 and 65. They do not have to be biologically related to the recipient as a result of advances in transplant medications.
In some cases, directed donors cannot give a kidney to their intended recipient. This may be the result of a positive crossmatch or blood type incompatibility. In some cases, special medicines can overcome these barriers. In cases where these barriers cannot be overcome, these donor-recipient pairs may be asked to undergo a donor exchange with another incompatible donor-recipient pair.
A second group of donors are known as altrusitic, anonymous or “non-directed” donors. These donors are people who wish to donate a kidney to someone in need, but they do not personally know someone who is waiting for an organ. Kidneys from these donors go to the patients at the top of the waiting list at Scripps.
The third group of donors consists of people who have identified someone they have only recently met to whom they wish to donate a kidney. The reason for donating a kidney in this case must be the same as the first two groups – one based on altruism. Kidneys may not be donated in return for financial gain. The buying and selling of organs is illegal in the United States. The transplant team at Scripps is willing to help these people donate kidneys to their intended recipients but certain conditions must be met. The donor and recipient must meet face-to-face early in the process of donor evaluation. Both the donor and recipient will be required to undergo psychological testing to ensure their motives and the lack of any evidence of coercion. In addition, both the donor and recipient will need to sign a contract that states there is no exchange of money. The costs of evaluation of the donor and actual donation will be covered by the recipient’s insurance.
Each potential donor must go through an extensive medical and psychiatric evaluation to determine if he or she is a candidate for the operation. The donation surgery and the parts of the evaluation have associated risks. After completing the initial screening process, a physician from the transplant team will discuss the donation process with the potential donor at length before any such procedures are performed. In addition to the information provided by members of our transplant team, educational materials and resources will also be made available. The evaluation process for a potential donor usually takes about one month to complete, although it may require less or more time depending upon the donor’s health.
We are excited about the opportunity to offer this treatment option to our patients with kidney failure. If you would like more information regarding our program, please feel free to call us at 858-554-4310.