Kidney Transplant 

You may be either: 

• A related donor, such as a mother

• An unrelated donor, such as a spouse or friend who has an emotional bond to the recipient

• A non-directed donor, someone who is not related to or known to the recipient  

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You are eligible to donate if:

• You are between the ages of 18 and 70

• You are in overall good health

• Your kidney function is normal and anatomy is favorable 

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You will not be considered if you have:

• Diabetes

• Certain forms of Cancer

• Intravenous or illicit drug use

• Certain infectious disease, such as AIDS or active hepatitis

• Certain psychiatric diagnoses

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Screening

Screening begins with an online form where you can provide your medical history. A link to the form can be found at HenryFord.com/livingdonation. If initial testing is acceptable, you will be scheduled for a full-day evaluation with the team, including a nephrologist, surgeon and psychologist. 

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Testing

Initial testing includes blood work to determine your blood group and tissue type, and an overall health screening to determine the health of your kidneys. 

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Kidney Donation Options 

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There are different options for matching donors. The most common way to donate is direct donation. But if you cannot donate directly, there may be other donation options in which your intended recipient may still get a kidney transplant for a better match such as paired donation or voluntary exchange. '

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Direct donation

Direct donation is when you are a match to a recipient you know or to whom you have the intention to donate. This is the most common way to donate a kidney. 

Voluntary exchange

In a voluntary exchange, two living donors agree to swap recipients, so that both may have the best opportunity for a successful transplant. 

Paired Donation ​

If you are not a match for your intended recipient, the kidney paired donation program works to find a potential donor trade so that each recipient receives a kidney that is a good match. A computer system will match the donors and recipients based on blood type, tissue type and antigens. Other considerations are age, kidney function and geographic distance between pairs. This program works to find the best outcome for all parties involved while arranging the most transplants possible. The Henry Ford Center for Living Donation offers paired exchange within the center, but also participates in regional kidney exchange programs offering the best opportunity to match our donors and recipients. 

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Current Technique 

Medical technology has made living kidney donation a safer and more viable option. Robotic kidney donation and laparoscopic kidney donation, also known as laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, are minimally invasive surgical options for donation. In fact, today most living-donor kidneys are removed using one of these techniques. 

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During the procedure, surgeons insert a small camera to locate the kidney while using small surgical instruments to disconnect the kidney from its native location. Another 2 1/2 - 3 inch incisions is made in your lower abdomen to remove the kidney. 

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The advantages of this minimally invasive approach over traditional kidney donation are significant. The traditional procedure, called open nephrectomy, involves making an incision across your side under the rib cage, and removing a portion of a rib to access the kidney. By avoiding a long incision through the muscles, iniall invasive kidney donation allows you to breathe and cough better following surgery. Pain also is remarkably reduced, and there is less need for strong medications which can cause drowsiness and unsteadiness. You can return to other activities sooner.

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​When appropriate robot-assisted procedures at Henry Ford are done using the daVinci robotic surgery system. Although it's "robotic," every step is directed by the surgeon. The system cannot make decisions on its own. The robotic arm rotates a full 360 degrees, providing the surgeons with greater precision and flexibility. Because minimally invasive kidney donation is now a viable option for most doctors, traditional kidney donation is rarely used unless medically necessary. 

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Minimally invasive kidney donation: 

• Smaller incision 

• Less muscle damager 

• Reduced pain 

• Easier recovery 

• Faster return to work and daily activities. 

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What are the risks?​

The main goal of our extensive donor evaluation process is to minimize the likelihood of complications. Although all surgeries involve risk, the minimally invasive approach reduces those risks. Your remaining kidney will continue to function normally and will compensate for the absence of the other kidney. 

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What will my recovery be like? 

After you undergo the minimally invasive procedure, you typically will return home one to two days after surgery. You may feel tired from the surgery and the anesthesia, and you will experience moderate pain. The pain generally subsides over several days to weeks as you before active. You should be able to return normal activities, including sexual activity, within two to three weeks. Lifting more than 10-15 pounds is restricted for six weeks.  

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If you undergo the traditional procedure, you typically will return home after four to five days. Again, you may feel tired from the surgery and the anesthesia, and you will experience more pain than with the minimally invasive procedures. You should be able to resume sexual activity within four weeks, and other activities, including work, within six to eight weeks. 

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You will follow up with the transplant team in the clinic about two weeks after donation. Six, 12 and 24 months following the donation, a kidney transplant coordinator will schedule follow-up visits to test the function of your remaining kidney, as well as a  general physical examination. This follow up for 2 years assures your safety and is a legal requirement. Your decision to donate also means you are committed to this monitoring. 

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How will my life change?

After recovery from surgery you will find that living with one kidney is no different than before. There will be no need for a special diet or medications. You will be encouraged to see your physician for an annual physical exam to monitor your kidney function, blood pressure and overall health. 

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Some lifestyle modifications may be recommended to ensure the health of your remaining kidney. Your transplant physician or coordinator will discuss these during the screening process. NSAID (Motrin and equivalent) use is restricted for all kidney donors.

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Who pays for my surgery?

Transplantation requires a careful evaluation by our financial coordinator to confirm insurance coverage. Typically, the recipient's insurance pays for the testing and surgery. 

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Most insurance plans will not compensate for lost wages, travel, or lodging. However, donors can request help from the National Living Donor Assistance Program (livingdonorassistance.com)

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