Have you or a loved one considered donating a kidney; but are unsure of what to expect? Having surgery may be intimidating, especially when you do not know how it may affect your life afterward. The National Kidney Foundation answers the common questions about a living donation and what to expect.*

What is the recovery period, and when can the donor return to normal activities?

The usual hospital-stay length is between four to six days. However, it will depend on the rate of recovery and the type of procedure performed (traditional versus laparoscopic kidney removal). The transplant center should be able to give a better estimate of a person’s particular recovery time.

After leaving the hospital, the most common side effects are tenderness, itching, and pain at the incision site. For approximately six weeks, it is recommended to avoid heavy lifting and contact sports. 

Since each individual’s experience will vary, the transplant center can provide a better estimate on the quickest ways to return to being physically fit. 

What can I expect emotionally after donating a kidney?

While everyone is different, it is normal to have a wide range of mixed emotions after surgery, from joy and relief to anxiety and depression. The kidney donation process can be time-consuming and mentally taxing, which prevents a person from processing everything they are feeling. 

Extensive data have been collected in kidney donors with reports of the following psychological outcomes:

• Less than one percent regret the decision to donate
• Three to 10 percent reported depression
• Seven percent reported anxiety disorders
• Three to 15 percent are concerned about a negative impact on their health

If emotional struggles arise, ask to speak to the social worker with the transplant team. Social workers provide support, guidance, and resources that may help.

Are there any long-term risks of donation?

In general, most people with a single normal kidney do not have problems and are not at a higher risk for kidney failure. It is recommended to discuss with their doctor if they are a good candidate and potential risks based on their current health. 

Like any surgery, there are potential long-term risks. These rare risks include:

• Pain near the incision site
• Nerve damage
• Hernia
• Intestinal obstruction
• High blood pressure
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
• Reduced kidney function

Are there any dietary restrictions after donation?

Kidney donations should not require any specific dietary needs or changes. Donors should be able to return to a normal, healthy lifestyle and diet. 

Is insurance coverage obtainable after donation?

Your health insurance should not be affected by donation. The Affordable Care Act has made it illegal for health insurance companies to refuse to cover you or charge you more because you have a pre-existing condition. 

If you have difficulty getting life insurance or facing higher premiums for it after surgery, reach out to the transplant center. Transplant centers can reach out to the insurance to inform them of existing data that reports that kidney donors are not at increased risk of death. 

What if a donor needs a kidney transplant later?

It is important to discuss any pre-existing conditions or other factors with your doctor and transplant team to prevent this from happening. However, it does sometimes occur. If needed, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) gives living donors priority on the waiting list. 

Can I get pregnant after a kidney donation?

In general, living kidney donors do well with pregnancy after their donation. It is recommended to wait at least six months after the donation surgery. Since each person is different, kidney donors should talk to their obstetrician-gynecologist about their donation to discuss potential complications. 

*What To Expect After Kidney Donation. (2020, April 16). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/what-expect-after-donation