Kidney donation surgery preparation
For the donor
As a kidney donor, your surgery is called a nephrectomy, and it’s performed under general anaesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain.
The Procedure
Most kidney removals are done using laparoscopic surgery, which involves making a few small cuts in your abdomen. A camera helps guide the surgeon as they carefully remove your kidney through one of the incisions. In some cases, open surgery may be needed. This involves a larger incision, usually on your side or lower back. Your surgeon will explain if this applies to you.
Recovery After Surgery
After the operation, you’ll wake up in a recovery room, where the medical team will monitor you closely. Most donors stay in the hospital for 1-3 days. You may feel some soreness in your abdomen, but pain medication will help. You can usually return to normal activities in 2-6 weeks, depending on how your body heals and the type of surgery you had.
Your remaining kidney will take over the work of both kidneys, and most donors go on to live healthy, active lives.
For the recipient
If you’re receiving a kidney transplant, your surgery will also be done under general anaesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
The Procedure
The surgeon will place your new kidney in your lower abdomen, near your groin. They will connect the kidney’s blood vessels to your own, ensuring blood flow to the new organ. The ureter (the tube that carries urine) will be connected to your bladder, so the kidney can start working. In most cases, your own kidneys are left in place unless they’re causing problems like infections or high blood pressure.
Recovery After Surgery
After the transplant, you’ll stay in a recovery unit where the team will monitor your new kidney’s function. You may notice the kidney producing urine right away, but sometimes it can take a few days to start working. Most recipients stay in the hospital for 5-10 days. You’ll start taking immunosuppressive medication to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.
After discharge, you’ll have regular follow-ups to ensure your new kidney is functioning well and that your medications are working as they should.
Need support?
If you’re considering kidney donation or are waiting for a transplant, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you’re a potential donor with questions or a recipient seeking support, ACLT is here to help. We can provide information, guidance, and a compassionate space to discuss your concerns.
Your decision to donate or receive a kidney is life-changing, and having the right support makes all the difference. If you need more information or just someone to talk to, reach out to ACLT today. Together, we can save lives and bring hope to those in need.
