A person (donor) is surgically removed and a healthy kidney is placed into another individual (recipient) who is diagnosed with irreversible long-term kidney failure (End Stage Renal Disease, ESRD) as a result of kidney failure.

On the basis of a kidney donor’s origin, renal transplants are categorized as deceased donor or living donor. At BKC, we currently perform both types of renal transplants.

If a donor is between 18 and 60 years old (in special circumstances), a family member, parent, brother or sister, grandparent, or spouse can become a voluntary kidney contributor. For a donor to be compatible, the matched blood group is also necessary. Donor-recipient ABO incompatibility is based on special circumstances, though it is possible to perform such transplants as well.

It must be ensured that the donor is free of chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc.) that affect kidney performance in order to be eligible for organ donation. The donor should have two functioning kidneys. They must have a blood-borne infection, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and they should be in a sufficiently satisfactory mental state to prepare to decide on kidney donations voluntarily.

On the operating table during a kidney transplantation, the donor kidney is moved to the left or right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The donor’s injured kidneys are not removed unless they are necessary.