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Donor nephrectomy is surgery to remove a healthy kidney for transplantation into another person. In a living donor, the remaining kidney continues filtering the blood. The transplant team evaluates the donor before surgery to assess whether donation is appropriate.
read more about donor nephrectomy ...Potential donors undergo medical testing to assess kidney function and overall health. The transplant team reviews conditions that could make donation unsafe for the donor or recipient. Donors also receive information about surgical and long-term health risks before deciding whether to proceed.
The operation is commonly performed through small abdominal incisions with a camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon separates the kidney from its blood vessels and ureter, then removes it through a larger incision. The kidney is prepared for transplantation into the recipient.
The hospital team monitors pain, kidney function, and the surgical incisions. Walking begins soon after surgery, while lifting is limited as the incisions heal. Follow-up visits check recovery, blood pressure, and the health of the remaining kidney.
Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and a hernia at an incision. Living with one kidney may affect an individual donor's future health risks, even though most donors remain healthy. Ongoing medical follow-up helps detect changes in blood pressure or kidney function.
Yes. A healthy remaining kidney can provide enough function for most living donors. Medical evaluation helps identify people for whom donation may pose greater risk.
No. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches use small incisions, but the surgical method depends on the donor and transplant center. An open approach or a change in approach may be necessary in some cases.
Kidney donation alone does not normally require lifelong medication. Donors should continue routine health care and the follow-up recommended by their transplant team.
Most donors can return to physical activity after they recover. The transplant team will provide a schedule for lifting and exercise during healing.
Donor nephrectomy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/donor-nephrectomy/about/pac-20384867. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline on the Evaluation and Care of Living Kidney Donors. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5540357/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Kidney donation: Are there long-term risks? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/expert-answers/kidney-donation/faq-20057997. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy discharge information. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/laparoscopic-donor-nephrectomy-discharge-information/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Living Donor Surgery and Risks. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/living-donor-surgery-and-risks?page=0. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.