Risks of donating a kidney

Around 1,000 people donate a kidney while living each year in the UK, and the procedure is considered very safe. 

The risks are low, but it’s important to understand them before deciding to donate: 

• Risk of death: estimated at around 1 in 10,000 for living kidney donors. 

• Surgical complications: a small number of donors experience issues such as bleeding, infection, or hernia. Most complications are mild and treated quickly. 

• Long-term risks: most donors stay healthy, but there is a slightly higher chance of developing high blood pressure or reduced kidney function later in life. Regular check-ups help catch any changes early. 

These risks are carefully explained during the donor assessment process, and only people who are healthy enough to donate are approved. 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF DONATING A KIDNEY?

When considering living donation, it is important for donors to think about how they might feel if something unlikely or unusual were to happen to them, and discuss these concerns with their clinical team as part of the assessment process.

All operations carry some risk and donating a kidney is no different. However, the operation is a common procedure and the medical team caring for you are aware of the risks and can usually identify and treat these very quickly if they occur.

COMPLICATIONS & RISKS OF DONATING A KIDNEY

There is a very small risk of death for the donor: this is estimated at 1 in 10,000, which is a similar risk to that of having an appendix removed.

Most complications for donors are minor and include infections (chest, wound or urine) and, rarely, bleeding or blood clots. Rarer but more serious risks include damage to major blood vessels and organs near the kidneys such as the colon, lungs and spleen. As with any surgery, there can be less common and unexpected complications.

There is also the risk of damage to your emotional wellbeing or mental health if things do not work out as expected, for example if there are complications for you or the recipient and particularly if the transplant does not work for the patient and must be taken out.

For non-directed altruistic donors and donors in the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, it is the recipient’s choice whether they want to get in touch with the donor or not. For this reason, you might never know the identity of the recipient, unless they choose to contact you. It can be difficult for some recipients to express how they feel about receiving such a wonderful gift and many find it hard to put pen to paper and say thank you. It is important to be prepared for this so that you are not disappointed if you do not hear anything from your recipient.

LONG-TERM RISKS OF DONATING A KIDNEY 

A long-term risk of donating a kidney is higher blood pressure. Studies show that some donors have a small increase in blood pressure over time. A low number of donors also report problems like pain, nerve damage, hernias, or intestinal blockages. However, these are rare and most donors do not experience any long-term complications. 

It’s important to note that the majority of kidney donors have a normal life expectancy and lead healthy lives after donation. 

Reducing the risks of donating a kidney

Thorough health screening

Before donating a kidney, potential donors go through a health check to make sure they’re able to donate. This involves medical tests to check things like blood pressure, kidney function, and any existing health issues. The aim is to find any risks that could cause problems during or after the donation.  

Post-donation follow-up

After donating, it’s important for donors to have follow-up visits with a healthcare professional. These visits help check how they’re recovering and catch any problems early. Follow-up care usually includes checking blood pressure, kidney tests, and overall health – ongoing medical support helps donors stay healthy after donating. 

Healthy lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle is important for kidney donors to stay well after donating. This means eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, exercising regularly for heart health, and avoiding smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Also, managing stress and keeping the mind active helps with long-term health. By following these habits, kidney donors can stay healthy and enjoy life after kidney donation. 

There are practical steps you can take before and after donation to help keep your risk as low as possible. 

Before donation

• Attend all assessments – The medical checks before donation are designed to make sure your body can safely manage life with one kidney. 

• Maintain a healthy weight – Being at a steady, healthy weight can help reduce surgical and long-term health risks. 

• Keep blood pressure under control – Good blood pressure support helps protect your kidneys and overall health. 

• Ask questions – Understanding the procedure, recovery, and follow-up helps you feel confident and prepared. 

After donation 

• Go to your follow-up appointments – Regular check-ups help your team keep an eye on blood pressure, kidney function, and overall wellbeing. 

• Stay hydrated – Drinking water steadily throughout the day supports good kidney function. 

• Be mindful with painkillers – Some medicines, like ibuprofen, can be harder on your kidney if used too often. Always follow medical advice. 

• Look after your general health – Eating balanced meals, being active, and avoiding smoking can help protect your long-term kidney health. 

These small habits, combined with routine monitoring, help most donors stay healthy for many years after giving a kidney. 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR POTENTIAL KIDNEY DONORS 

Donating a kidney is generally safe with very few risks, but potential donors should think about a few other things before they decide to donate. These include financial matters, effects on work or career, and personal relationships. Donating involves not just surgery and recovery, but also emotional and mental effects. It’s important for donors to understand all parts of donation and discuss any worries with their healthcare team. 

Kidney Donation Risks FAQs 

How might donating a kidney impact future pregnancies or fertility? 

Most donors can have children as normal. Fertility is usually unchanged, and future pregnancies may simply involve a bit more monitoring, but the outcome for the baby is same as in the general population. 

Could donating a kidney influence my eligibility for other medical treatments? 

Most medical treatments remain suitable for kidney donors. Your care team may just consider your single kidney when planning certain treatments. 

Are there lifestyle changes recommended for long-term kidney donors? 

Healthy habits such as staying hydrated, keeping a steady weight, and looking after your blood pressure are encouraged. Being careful with frequent NSAID use can also help. 

Can kidney donors experience unexpected lifestyle limitations after surgery? 

Most people return to their usual routines without long-term restrictions. A small number may need extra recovery time, but ongoing limits are uncommon. 

Are there rare complications donors should be aware of? 

Complications are uncommon but can include hernia, infection, or long-term changes in kidney function or blood pressure. Regular follow-up helps identify issues early.