Risks

Donor nephrectomy carries certain risks associated with the surgery itself, the remaining organ function and the psychological aspects involved with donating an organ.

For the kidney recipient, the risk of transplant surgery is usually low because it is a potentially lifesaving procedure. But kidney donation surgery can expose a healthy person to the risk of and recovery from unnecessary major surgery.

Immediate, surgery-related risks of donor nephrectomy include:

• Pain
• Infection
• Hernia
• Bleeding and blood clots
• Wound complications and, in rare cases, death

Living-donor kidney transplant is the most widely studied type of living organ donation, with more than 50 years of follow-up information. Overall, studies show that life expectancy for those who have donated a kidney is the same as for similarly matched people who haven't donated.

Some studies suggest living kidney donors may have a slightly higher risk of kidney failure in the future. But this risk is still smaller than the average risk of kidney failure in the general population.

Specific long-term complications associated with living kidney donation include high blood pressure and elevated protein levels in urine (proteinuria).

Donating a kidney or any other organ may also cause mental health issues, such as symptoms of anxiety and depression. The donated kidney may fail in the recipient and cause feelings of regret, anger or resentment in the donor.

Overall, most living organ donors rate their experience as positive.

To minimize the potential risks associated with donor nephrectomy, you'll have extensive testing and evaluation to ensure you're eligible to donate.