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How do I find out if I can be a living donor? Most healthy adults potentially can donate a kidney. An individual will go through an extensive health evaluation and counseling to determine eligibility. The first step is to obtain, complete and return the Living Donor Program’s Health Screening Questionnaire to: Ginny Baynes
Anonymous Living Donor Program Pacific NW Transplant Bank 2611 SW Third, Suite 320 Portland, OR 97201-4943 In general terms, living donors must be:
What do you mean by “extensive health evaluation”? A medical history, physical examination and numerous blood and urine tests are done to determine health status. X-rays, heart stress test, EKG and abdominal CT scan may be performed as well. The goal of the evaluation is to ensure that the living donor is physically fit and has no health issues. This health evaluation will be done at one of the two Portland area transplant centers, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Hospital or Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Counseling is also part of the evaluation. This is done to ensure that each potential donor understands the surgery, the risks involved and the recovery time. Why do I have to get three blood pressure checks as part of the preliminary health screening? According to studies, one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. In fact, many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. This is why checking blood pressure is an important part of the screening process: to determine if you are a good candidate to give a kidney to someone. The best way to get an accurate blood pressure reading is to take it at least three times over several days. What if I decide I don’t want to become a living donor? Each potential living donor can decide at any time that he/she does not want to be a donor. There is no obligation to continue the process once started. The Living Donor Program wants to educate people and help those people who so choose to become living donors through the process. Where is the transplant performed? The surgery will take place at the one of the two kidney transplant centers in our area:
How is the transplant performed? Surgical removal of a kidney is referred to as a nephrectomy. There are two nephrectomy options available to living kidney donors, and the transplant surgical team will discuss these with each potential donor during the health evaluation. The first approach is open donor nephrectomy. An incision is made on your side, beneath the ribcage. The skin, muscle and fat that lie on top of the kidney are cut to allow the surgeon to reach the kidney. The surgeon removes the kidney and then sutures the muscles and skin back together. The second approach is laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. This surgery is done with a laparoscope, a tiny “telescope” which allows the surgeon to do the same operation inside, but with smaller incisions. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas, which allows the surgeon to see and work. A laparoscope with camera attached and small cutting and stapling tools are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen. These incisions will be one-quarter to one-half inch long. The kidney is removed through another incision, approximately three to five inches long, on the lower abdomen. How long will the surgery take? Typically, the preparation and the surgery take four to six hours. After recovering from the anesthesia, donors are moved to their hospital rooms. Donors usually feel tired from the anesthesia and often have some pain from the incision(s). Pain medications are prescribed as needed. Any discomfort lessens over time as the incision heals and physical activity is resumed. What are the risks? There are always risks with any surgery. However, living kidney donation is very safe for healthy individuals. Some complications that may occur after surgery include:
The most recent data on death associated with kidney donation from the United Network of Organ Sharing is 0.04 percent, or 4 in 10,000. All potential donors have the opportunity to discuss these risks with the surgical team before the surgery takes place. How long is the recovery period? It is typical for a donor to remain in the hospital for three to four days after the surgery. Generally, the at-home recovery period is four to eight weeks. However, it is important to understand that each case is different. What are the long-term consequences of living with only one kidney? Donating a kidney does not increase the risk of future health problems or decrease life expectancy. It is important for each living donor to be aware that if something happens to the one remaining kidney such as a severe traumatic injury or cancer, the kidney function could be affected. Who pays for the surgery? The recipient’s insurance or Medicare will pay for all medical costs for the donor’s medical evaluation, surgery, hospitalization, doctor’s fees and follow-up costs. However, all other costs, such as transportation, child care and lost wages, are not reimbursed. No monetary payment will be provided to donors or their family members. Potential living donors should contact their employers to see if paid leave or short-term disability insurance will cover lost wages for this absence. Do I have to have health insurance? It is important for any donor to have health insurance or the financial ability to see a primary care medical provider on a regular basis. The transplant center will provide a follow-up appointment for all donors, but it is the responsibility of the donor to manage his/her health going forward. May I meet the recipient? The Living Donor Program provides an opportunity for individuals to provide the gift of a kidney to someone in need ANONYMOUSLY. Why do living donations? Patients who need kidney transplants have always been encouraged to find their living donors, usually a family member or a close friend. The success rate is better and the waiting time is shorter than for a deceased donor kidney. However, it may not be possible for some family members or friends to donate because of medical, personal or matching issues. |