LIVE KIDNEY DONATION (Contd)
Q: Do some donors have trouble making the decision to donate?
A:
· The decision to donate can vary from person to person. Some people make the decision instantly with few worries or concerns.
· Other people go through some soul-searching and will talk with close friends or family before deciding whether or not to donate.
· It is normal for some people to be afraid of donating a kidney as well as to experience guilt about not wanting to be a donor.
· Individuals should not, under any circumstances, feel pressured to donate.
· The only “right” decision is the one that makes the donor feel comfortable.
· Potential donors are encouraged to speak with the transplant team if they have any questions or concerns about their decision.
· It is a safe procedure with minimal acceptable risk.
Q: What does the donor evaluation involve?
A:
· The purpose of the evaluation is to make sure your kidneys are normal and that you don't have any medical or psychiatric illness that would make this procedure risky or difficult.
· It makes sure you don't have any medical conditions that could be transmitted to the recipient and to confirm that you're donating voluntarily, without pressure.
· Tests are comprehensive including blood, urine etc. chest x-ray and an angiogram to outline kidney blood supply.
· Once all results from the entire evaluation process are available, they will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee who decides whether you are able to safely proceed with the donation.
Q: When will I be told if I can be a donor?
A: Generally, you should know within two weeks of completing the evaluation. The decision to donate your kidney is not one to make lightly. Consider it carefully and discuss it with your family and significant others.
Q: If I am approved to be a donor, when will the transplant take place?
A:
· This decision is made jointly by the transplant team, you and the recipient.
· The transplant team — particularly the doctors involved in the recipient's care — will determine the best time for the transplant, based on the recipient's medical condition.
· Unfortunately, a number of factors could affect the plans. For example, the recipient's condition might deteriorate so that he or she is too sick for a transplant. Or, the recipient or donor might develop an infection or other condition that must be treated before a transplant.
Q: How should I prepare for the surgery?
A: The medical evaluation of potential living donors is extremely thorough. Once your evaluation is complete and the transplant team decides to proceed, there is not much additional testing to be done.
Q: How is my kidney removed?
A:
The kidney is removed one of two ways
1. An open incision on the side of the abdomen or
2. Several small incisions with the aid of a scope and camera, called a laparoscope.
The laparoscopic approach has advantages of; less pain, lower complication rate, shorter hospital stay, shorter recovery and return to normal activities. The small incision scars are also cosmetically more acceptable. However it requires additional surgical skills and expertise with appropriate high-tecnology tools.
Q: Will I require a blood transfusion?
A: Blood transfusion during this surgery is uncommon. As a precaution, you may be asked to "donate" one or two units of your own blood before the surgery, we use your own blood so you're not exposed to possible risks of a transfusion from someone else. Blood may also be obtained from the general blood bank if required.
Q: How long will I be in the hospital?
A: The average hospital stay for donors is five to seven days after surgery.
Q: Will I have a scar?
A: In most cases, the incision heals quickly; leaving a scar that fades over time but will always be visible.
Q: Will I have pain after the surgery?
A: Unfortunately, you may have significant pain after this surgery. Pain medication will be given but you will still be very uncomfortable for at least the first week. You will begin to have less pain as each day goes by, but most donors say they have significant discomfort for one to two weeks after surgery.
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