About Living Kidney Transplantation

Kidney Recipient Laurie with her sister, Lynee, a living donor, and their children, Benjamin and Heather, who were born after Laurie's transplant. They are from Syracuse, New York.

Contact Us... The Transplant Program staff is happy to talk with you. Should you wish to become a donor, we recommend that you discuss this option with the relative in need. Contact us when you need more information or are ready to proceed with an evaluation. Transplant Program Department of Surgery University Hospital SUNY Upstate Medical University 750 E. Adams St. Syracuse NY 13210 (315) 464-5413 TOLL FREE: 1-877-464-5540, ext. 5413

Kidney disease affects millions of Americans and can lead to kidney failure. Without therapy, patients with kidney failure will die. Often, this intervention involves a kidney transplant.

Living donation is one type of kidney transplant. Through this process, a person with two healthy kidneys donates one kidney to a relative or close friend with kidney failure. It is generally possible — and safe — to donate a kidney and still have normal kidney function.

Donating a kidney can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. However, the possibility of kidney donation raises many questions and concerns. It is quite normal for a potential donor to be afraid, anxious, or even reluctant when they first consider being a kidney donor. This web site is designed to explain living kidney donation and provide a foundation for discussing this critical topic with family, friends, and medical professionals.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

• There are two kinds of kidney transplants: cadaveric and living donor
• What are the advantages of living donor transplants?
• Is it safe for a living person to donate a kidney?
• Can women become pregnant after kidney donation?

Guidelines for Kidney Donation

• Can anyone donate a kidney?
• What is meant by tissue-typing?
• What kind of medical evaluation is necessary?
• The evaluation consists of three phases:

Moving a Step Closer

• Where is the evaluation completed?
• Who pays for the donor evaluation?
• Is there someone to talk to about becoming a donor?
• How is the donor’s surgery and hospitalization paid for?
• When does the donor enter the hospital?
• How long does the surgery take?
• What happens after the surgery?
• How long is the donor in the hospital?
• Will medication or a special diet be necessary?
• When can normal activities be resumed?
• Does the donor need further follow-up?

For more information: www.organtransplants.org

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