[Results of transplantation of kidneys from related living donors]

Between 1973 and 1981 23 transplantations of kidneys from living related donors have been performed in Frankfurt/Main. Donor complications were haematopneumothorax (1 case) and reversible urinary tract infections (3 cases). All donors were discharged after 8-12 days, all have until now (6 months to 8 years postoperatively) normal excretory renal function and normal arterial blood pressure. Patient-survival in the recipients is 5 years postoperatively 96% and graft-survival is 90%. Nine patients received HLA-identical kidneys, all have excellent to fair function of the grafts, 7 patients are off steroids. In 14 cases kidneys were transplanted, although donor and recipient shared only one haplotype. In these patients 5-year graft survival is 84%. Seven patients have normal graft function, whereas 6 patients have a reduced function or have rejected. One patient died. Results of kidney transplantation using living related donors are--even when donors with only one haplotype-identity are accepted--much better than those obtainable when using cadaveric donors. When renal transplantation is considered, patients should be informed about the favourable results attainable with kidneys from living related donors.