The average patient in New England who does not have a living donor will wait between 4 and 5 years for a kidney. In addition, living donor kidneys generally work better, last longer, and require less anti-rejection medicine, making life easier and safer for recipients. All potential living donors go through an exhaustive medical examination to determine that they are healthy enough to donate. No chances are ever taken with living donor surgery. There are no lifestyle limitations after donation.
Donors can live a totally normal life, including strenuous athletics and childbearing.
Many studies of living donors have proven that donating a kidney in no way compromises future health, and it is well known that living donation does not put individuals at an increased risk for future kidney disease, hypertension, or diabetes. For over 30 years, living kidney donation has been performed through a large flank incision. This incision extends around the side from the umbilicus to the back and can be as large as 18 inches long. This type of surgery has stood the test of time, is very safe and produces a very good quality kidney. Unfortunately, it is also fairly painful and most patients are laid up for several weeks and may not be back to full function for several months.