Living kidney donation: the outcomes for donors

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Living kidney donation has seen a global increase over the last decade.
• Donor nephrectomy carries perioperative risks (0.03% mortality, 10% morbidity) and potential long-term health consequences.
• Limited research exists on the long-term outcomes for living kidney donors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks associated with living kidney donation.
• To highlight the need for improved complication monitoring and long-term follow-up.
• To address concerns regarding donor screening and unethical practices.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on perioperative and long-term outcomes of living kidney donors.
• Analysis of complication rates and existing evidence on donor health.
• Discussion of ethical considerations and recommendations from international forums.

Main Results:

• Perioperative mortality is approximately 0.03%, with morbidity around 10%.
• Long-term risks include potential mild renal failure, hypertension, and proteinuria; cardiovascular disease incidence may be elevated.
• Current evidence suggests end-stage kidney disease risk is not increased in donors.

Conclusions:

• Standardized complication grading and robust donor registries are essential for long-term safety monitoring.
• Addressing unethical practices like transplant tourism and inadequate screening is critical.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of kidney donation.