Risks of Kidney Donation
Most donors do well, but all surgery has risks. Know the short-term and long-term considerations.
Short-term (around surgery)
- Anesthesia effects (nausea, rare complications).
- Bleeding, infection, blood clots.
- Pain, temporary numbness near incisions.
- Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery (rare).
- Unexpected findings that delay or cancel surgery.
Long-term
- Kidney function: remaining kidney compensates; lifetime risk of kidney disease is slightly higher than if you hadn’t donated.
- Blood pressure: may rise over time—monitor routinely.
- Pregnancy: small increased risk of preeclampsia in future pregnancies.
- Mental health: mood changes can occur if outcomes are complicated; support helps.
Financial & practical
- Evaluation/surgery usually covered; travel and lost wages vary.
- Insurance questions (life/disability) may reference donation—clarify ahead of time.
Ask: What are this center’s complication rates? What’s my risk given age/BP/BMI? Who do I call after hours?
Informational only; discuss personal risks with your transplant team.