Donor perspectives in living kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the overall experience of living kidney donors. METHODS All 80 kidney donors at a teaching hospital between 2003 and 2008 were sent a postal questionnaire to determine the level of satisfaction with the kidney donation process, including post-operative pain and return to fitness after surgery. RESULTS A total of 56 donors returned the questionnaires. The average loss of earnings in 29 donors was £995.17 6 £297.03. A total of 52 donors (93%) rated their overall experience as excellent or good, 55 donors (98%) had no regrets about donation, and 26 donors (46%) would have considered altruistic donation if they were unable to donate to their intended recipient. Qualitative analysis of responses showed a positive attitude to organ donation, with a willingness to encourage others, a request for chat facilities on the unit's website, and a more regular follow-up. DISCUSSION Living kidney donors were generally satisfied with the organ donation process and likely to recommend it to others. The issue of compensation for loss of earnings must be addressed in order to encourage other potential donors. Perhaps other potential donors withdrawing from the assessment process due to inability to donate to their intended recipient should be counseled about altruistic non-directed donation.