Considering donating a kidney?

Considering donating a kidney?

Chicago Sun Times
September 29, 2010

Here are some of the most common questions asked about the procedure:

Must I be related to the patient needing the kidney?
No. Donors can include parents, children, siblings, other relatives, friends or anyone who has a general interest in helping and a compatible blood type with the recipient.

Must I be a certain age?
Generally, donors are between 18 and the early 70s.

Must I be in good health?
Yes. Typically, persons with kidney, heart, liver or sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, HIV or hepatitis do not qualify as donors. Your medical history and current health will be evaluated (through laboratory tests, an EKG and X-rays) to make certain you can safely proceed with your donation.

Can I live with one kidney?
Studies have shown that one kidney is sufficient to keep the body healthy. Following recovery from surgery, a donor can work, drive, exercise and participate in sports (though contact sports are not recommended). Also, being a donor does not impact a person's ability to have a child.

What happens during surgery?
You will be sedated, a urinary catheter will be inserted into your bladder and the laparoscopic surgery will begin. A few very small incisions will be made in your abdomen to insert laparoscopic instruments, which include a miniature camera to help guide the surgical team. Once the kidney dissection is complete, a 3- to 4-inch incision is made to allow for removal of the kidney.

What happens after surgery?
Your vital signs and comfort level will be monitored, and pain medication will be given as requested. You will wear an oxygen mask and have a catheter draining from the bladder to a collecting bag to accurately measure the kidney's urine output (the catheter generally is left in overnight and removed the next morning).
You will be encouraged to get out of bed as soon as possible and will be expected to walk the next day. You should be released from the hospital one or two days following surgery.

When will I be able to return to work?
In two to three weeks unless your work requires heavy lifting or other physical demands.

Sandy Thorn Clark

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/2753440,FIT-News-kidney29a.article