The decision to donate a kidney is one of the most altruistic gestures a person can make. Thanks to this extraordinary gift, a person waiting for a transplant gets a chance for a new life. However, not everyone can become a kidney donor. There are strict criteria that must be met for a donation to take place. In this article we will discuss in detail who can become a living kidney donor and the procedures involved.
Who is a living kidney donor?
A living kidney donor is a healthy person who chooses to donate one of his or her kidneys to a sick person, usually a family member or close friend. Although it may seem paradoxical, a healthy person can function normally with one kidney. Internal organs have a strong regenerative capacity, and one healthy kidney is fully sufficient for the body to function properly.
What are the basic criteria for a living kidney donor?
To become a kidney donor, several basic criteria must be met:
- Age: Most transplant centers accept donors between the ages of 18 and 65. However, the upper age limit may vary depending on the health of the donor.
- Health status: The donor must be in full physical and mental health. People with chronic diseases, cancer, mental disorders and addictions are excluded.
- Legal capacity: the donor must be an adult and have full legal capacity.
- Relationship to the recipient: Most often, donors are family members (parents, children, siblings), spouses or people in a stable relationship. In some cases, it is possible to donate a kidney to an unrelated person, but this requires additional paperwork.
- Group compatibility: the donor and recipient must have a compatible blood type and HLA (tissue compatibility antigens) compatibility. HLA compatibility is extremely important because it reduces the risk of the recipient’s body rejecting the transplant.
Donor qualification process
The kidney donor qualification process is very detailed and involves a number of tests:
- Interview: The doctor conducts a detailed interview, during which he collects information about the donor’s health, lifestyle, and motivation for donation.
- Laboratory tests: Basic blood and urine tests are performed, as well as more specialized tests such as creatinine level determination, inflammatory marker testing and genetic testing.
- Imaging studies: the donor undergoes ultrasound of the kidneys, CT scans and MRI scans. These examinations make it possible to assess the size and structure of the kidneys and exclude the presence of any pathological changes.
- Psychological examination: the donor must undergo a psychological examination to assess his or her motivation to donate, awareness of the risks of the procedure, and social support.
Procedure for kidney donation
Kidney procurement from a living donor is a surgical procedure that is performed in a hospital setting. The procedure usually takes several hours and is performed under general anesthesia. After the procedure, the donor must remain in the hospital for several days for observation.
Risks associated with kidney donation
Although kidney donation is a generally safe procedure, it carries some risk of complications, such as:
- Bleeding: Bleeding from the kidney donor site may occur after the procedure.
- Infection: there is a risk of surgical wound infection.
- Thrombosis: In rare cases, deep vein thrombosis may occur.
- Nerve damage: The procedure can lead to nerve damage, which can cause phantom pains or sensory disturbances.
- Loss of function of the remaining kidney: In very rare cases, loss of function of the remaining kidney can occur.
Legal aspects of kidney donation
Kidney donation is regulated by law. Poland has a law on the collection, transplantation and storage of cells, tissues and organs. This law specifies the conditions under which donation can take place, as well as the rights and obligations of the donor and recipient.
Summary
The decision to donate a kidney is extremely important and requires thought. A potential donor should carefully study all aspects of donation, as well as consult a doctor. If you meet all the criteria and are ready to undertake this noble gesture, you can contribute to saving someone’s life.
Note:
The above article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for consultation with a doctor. Consult a specialist before deciding to donate a kidney.
