Surgical Procedure

CT review

Prior to surgery, every living donor undergoes a CT scan to ensure they are anatomically able to donate a kidney. Each CT is individually reviewed by the surgeon to ensure the kidney can be safely removed and that it can be placed in the recipient.

The surgery

The date of surgery is always scheduled with the donor so no undue pressure is placed on the donor by the recipient.

Our Inova surgeons pioneered the laparoscopic procedure for kidney donation in the 1990s and are recognized experts in this surgical technique. Most commonly you will undergo the laparoscopic surgery (see graphic below). Sometimes an open procedure may be necessary. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and generally lasts between 3 and 4 hours. Blood transfusions are usually not required.

Recovery

Donors stay in the hospital 2 to 3 days following the day of surgery. Recovery varies but generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. Many donors return to work much sooner depending on their pain tolerance, medication use and job type.

Donors will have their own private hospital room but will be on the same floor as the recipient.