Living Kidney Donation

Most people live healthy, full lives with one kidney. One healthy kidney provides enough filtering to clean your blood. Some donors develop small amounts of protein in their urine or slightly higher blood pressure over time. If needed, doctors can prescribe medication to manage these changes. The long-term risk of kidney failure is low. About 3 in 1,000 donors develop kidney failure within 15 years of donation. 

You do not need to be in perfect health, but you do need to meet certain medical criteria. Some conditions may prevent donation, including diabetes, kidney disease, most cancers, serious heart disease and obesity. The evaluation process is designed to protect your current and future health. 

No. You do not need to be biologically related to the recipient. Anyone over the age of 18 who is in good health and willing to donate may be considered, as long as compatibility criteria are met. 

The donor and recipient do not need the same blood type, but their blood types must be compatible. For example, a donor with blood type O can donate to any blood type. If you and your recipient are not compatible, you may still be able to donate through the Kidney Paired Donation Program. The requirements for organ donation differ from blood donation, so being unable to donate blood does not mean you cannot donate a kidney. 

Most major religions in Canada support organ donation and view it as an act of generosity and compassion. 

Some pain or discomfort is common after surgery, including incision pain, bloating or gas. Pain is managed with medication and improves over time. Most donors have little to no pain by two to four weeks after surgery and can return to most daily activities. 

Yes. Most donors return to regular activities, including exercise and sports, about four to six weeks after surgery. During early recovery, you should avoid heavy lifting (more than 10 pounds) to allow your muscles to heal. 

No special diet is required. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, just as they would before donation. 

Yes. Female donors are advised to wait at least six months after surgery before becoming pregnant. Most donors go on to have uncomplicated pregnancies. There is a slightly higher risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy after kidney donation. 

No. Living kidney donation does not reduce life expectancy. Because donors are carefully screened and generally very healthy, some studies have shown donors to live longer than the average population. 

Living kidney donors do not need long-term medications related to donation. You may take shortterm medications after surgery, such as pain relief. If health issues arise later in life, medications may be needed, just as they would for anyone else. 

Most donors stay in hospital for two to four days. By the time you are discharged, you are usually able to bathe, dress and care for yourself independently. 

Yes. You can change your mind at any time, including on the day of surgery. Your privacy is always protected. If you decide not to donate, the team will tell the recipient that you cannot proceed for health reasons unless you choose to share more details. 

The timing of surgery depends on the recipient’s health and readiness for transplant. If the recipient is on dialysis, surgery may happen soon after testing is complete. The evaluation process typically takes two to four months. If the recipient is not yet on dialysis, surgery may be planned months or even years later. The team will provide as much notice as possible. 

Surgeons usually remove the left kidney because it often has longer blood vessels and is easier to transplant. In some cases, the right kidney may be removed if it is safer for the donor.

Complications are uncommon but can occur. Short-term risks include reactions to anesthesia, lung complications, blood clots and bleeding. Measures such as compression stockings, early movement and careful monitoring help reduce these risks. Your surgeon reviews all risks with you before surgery. 

There is no upper age limit for donation. Donors must be at least 18 years old. At The Ottawa Hospital, the oldest living kidney donor donated at age 77.