Why it's done

Compared with deceased-donor kidney transplant, the benefits of living-donor kidney transplant include:

• Less time spent on a waiting list, which could prevent possible complications and deterioration of health of the recipient
• Potential avoidance of dialysis if it has not been initiated
• Better short- and long-term survival rates
• Your transplant may be scheduled in advance once your donor is approved versus an unscheduled, emergency transplant procedure with a deceased donor kidney

The risks of living-donor kidney transplant are similar to those of deceased-donor kidney transplant. They include risks associated with the surgery, organ rejection and side effects of anti-rejection medications.