Changing landscape in living kidney donation in Greece

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Greece experience prolonged waiting times for deceased donor kidney transplants.
• Living kidney donation presents a viable alternative, enhancing outcomes and expanding donor availability, yet remains underutilized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the expansion of living kidney donation in Greece by incorporating advanced strategies.
• To address barriers and propose culturally sensitive approaches to increase living donation rates.

Main Methods:

• Review of global advancements in kidney transplantation, including paired exchange and antibody-incompatible transplantation.
• Analysis of cultural, ethical, and social factors influencing donation in the Greek context.
• Proposal for targeted campaigns and educational initiatives for clinicians, patients, and donors.

Main Results:

• Living donation can significantly alleviate deceased donor waiting lists and improve patient outcomes.
• Successful implementation requires tailoring strategies to local beliefs, risk perceptions, and social characteristics.
• Enhanced education and a safe donation environment are crucial for fostering trust and participation.

Conclusions:

• Greece must adopt innovative living kidney donation strategies, including paired exchange and antibody-incompatible transplantation.
• Culturally sensitive education and targeted outreach are essential to overcome barriers and boost donation rates.
• A comprehensive approach focusing on donor and recipient well-being will usher in a new era of kidney transplantation.