Kidney donation success rates

Living kidney donation can save someone’s life. In the UK, kidney transplants are very successful, and hundreds are performed every year. Most people who receive a kidney live longer and enjoy a better quality of life because of it. Donors also do very well, and the risks are low. 

If you’re thinking about donating a kidney, it’s normal to have questions. You might wonder how likely it is to work, or what happens to your own health after donating. The good news is that kidney donation in the UK is safe, and the outcomes for both the donor and the person receiving the kidney are very positive. 

How Successful are Kidney Transplants? 

Doctors measure kidney transplant success in two main ways. First, they look at how well the kidney works in the first few months. Second, they look at how well it keeps working over many years. 

In the UK, most kidney transplants are successful. Kidneys from living donors usually last longer than those from people who have died. That’s because the operation can be planned in advance, and the kidney doesn’t have to spend as much time outside the body before it’s transplanted. According to the NHS “Living kidney transplantation is usually very successful with 96% of donated kidneys working well a year after the operation. This compares with a success rate of 93% for kidneys from deceased donors.” 

Success Rates for Living Donor Kidney Transplants 

Living donor kidney transplants have very high success rates. 

For people who receive a kidney: 

• Around 96 out of 100 kidneys from living donors are still working one year after the transplant 

• Around 85 to 90 out of 100 are still working after five years 

• Around 75 out of 100 are still working after ten years 

Some kidneys from living donors keep working for 20 years or more. 

For donors: 

• Most people go back to their normal lives within 2-12 weeks 

• Donating a kidney does not affect how long you live 

• The NHS continues to check on your health after donation 

Living donor kidneys do well because the donor is healthy, the surgery is planned, and the kidney is transplanted quickly. 

Factors That Influence Kidney Transplant Success 

Several things can affect how well a kidney transplant works. 

The age and health of both the donor and the person receiving the kidney make a difference. A younger kidney will typically work for longer than one from an older donor, but outcomes from older (particularly living) donors are often good. Older people with kidney failure do not need a kidney to last for decades, and usually transplant teams think about the age and health of both donor and recipient before transplantation.  

As well as the age-match between the donor and the recipient, the match of the immune systems is also important. Doctors look at blood type and tissue type to try to find the best match. 

Risks and Long-Term Outlook for Kidney Donors 

If you’re thinking about donating a kidney, it’s important to understand the risks. The good news is that problems are rare, and the long-term outlook is very good. The chance of something serious going wrong during the operation is very low.  

Donors are checked carefully before the operation to make sure donation is safe for them. After the donation, the NHS keeps in touch to check on your health and give support if you need it. 

Research shows that kidney donors live just as long and stay just as healthy as people who haven’t donated. Many say it’s one of the best things they’ve ever done. 

You can read more on our Risks of Donating a Kidney page. 

Improving Living Kidney Donation Outcomes in the UK 

The NHS and other organisations are always working to improve kidney donation and transplant care. 

Doctors and scientists are doing research to help kidneys last longer, reduce side effects from medicine, and improve recovery for both donors and recipients. 

Better matching systems now help more people find a suitable donor. New transplant techniques and treatments are also helping more kidneys work better and for longer. 

In the UK, the system is safe, well organised, and based on years of experience. With new ideas and ongoing research, living kidney donation is becoming even more successful. 

If you choose to donate, you could help someone live a longer, healthier life. And you’ll be fully supported every step of the way.