Everything you need to know about becoming a living organ donor, from eligibility to recovery, so you can make an informed choice.
Becoming a living organ donor is one of the most selfless acts you can make. While the number of living donors has increased in recent years, there are still not enough people registered. There are more than 100,000 people on the transplant waiting list and, every day, 13 people die waiting for an organ transplant.
Choosing to become a living donor can offer someone on the transplant list another shot at life. If you want to become a living donor, it's important to be aware of eligibility requirements, as well as what to expect before and after surgery.
Who can become a living organ donor?
Different transplant hospitals may have different requirements. Generally, to become a living organ donor you should be:
- 18 years or older
- Aware of the risks involved with donating
- Free of major medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes
- In good physical and mental health
A few disqualifications can include high blood pressure or certain infections. Make sure you share all information about your physical and mental health; some conditions can harm your recipient. To make sure you fully understand the donation process, you'll complete a full medical and psychosocial evaluation.
What is the donation evaluation process like?
If you decide to become a living donor, the transplant team at the transplant hospital will gather some information to make sure you are healthy enough to donate. You'll undergo an initial screening and blood test to determine if you are a match with the intended transplant recipient. You can expect to:
- Answer questions about your medical history
- Complete a physical, lab tests and screenings for cancer and other conditions
- Learn the risks involved with donation
- Receive a mental health evaluation
During the evaluation process, the team will ask you questions about your financial situation and motivation for donating. They'll also ask about your support system and how donating may affect your lifestyle, including your employment and relationships.
What are the types of living donor transplants?
As a living donor, you can donate:
- One kidney
- One lung
- Part of the liver
- Part of the pancreas
- Part of the intestine
- Uterus
There are also a couple of different types of living donation:
Directed donation: You choose the person receiving the transplant. You must be a:
- Biological relative, such as a parent, sibling, or adult child
- Biologically unrelated person with a personal or social connection, such as a spouse or friend
- Biologically unrelated person who has heard about the transplant recipient's need
Nondirected donation: You do not name the specific person to receive the transplant. The match is determined based on medical compatibility.
Kidney paired donation: If the transplant recipient has a willing but incompatible donor, the recipient can swap with another living donor who is also not a match with their intended recipient.
What to expect before surgery
If you are approved to be a living donor, the transplant hospital will schedule your surgery. You'll need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days, but the length of your recovery will depend on which organ you've donated. Your surgery will most likely be laparoscopic, meaning small incisions will be made to remove the organ. The recipient will have surgery as soon as possible after the organ is recovered.
What to expect after surgery
After the surgery, your transplant team may want you to stay close to the hospital so they can monitor your organ function. You'll probably take at least a month off from work, and you'll likely have some discomfort during the recovery. You may also need someone to help you around the house while you recover. It can take two to six months to fully recover from organ transplant surgery.
The transplant team will give you instructions on caring for yourself after the surgery, including tips for pain management and caring for the incision.
What are the ethical and emotional aspects of organ donation?
The decision to become a living organ donor is a deeply personal one. While 90 to 95% of kidney transplant donors say they would do it again if they could, it's normal for donors to feel a wide range of emotions after the surgery, including anger, fear or resentment.
Altruism is the foundation of living organ donation. The transplant team will make sure you donate through your own free will, and that you are not being coerced or financially pressured. You can change your mind at any time.
Choosing to become a living donor is a generous act that has the potential to save a life. However, it is not a decision to be made lightly. Consider the potential risks and rewards. Talking to other donors, friends or family can help but, ultimately, the choice is yours.