Living Kidney Recipient Outcomes

With the growing burden of chronic kidney disease, recognition of the significant benefits of kidney transplantation versus alternative modes of renal replacement therapy for kidney failure patients is clear. Transplantation can occur from wither living or deceased donors and across the globe, the ratios of living versus deceased kidney transplantation is variable. This reflects local or regional heterogenous factors such as logistics, infrastructure and/or socio-cultural barriers. However, the advantages afforded by living donor kidney transplantation versus remaining on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney are overwhelming. It allows a timelier kidney transplant procedure for those living with or approaching kidney failure and provides better survival probabilities, both for the individual and the allograft, versus deceased donor kidney transplantation. This chapter summarizes the evolution of living kidney donation and the reported outcomes with regards to living donor kidney transplant recipients. Highlighting both survival benefits and quality of life benefits, the aim is to showcase the significant benefits to kidney transplant candidates receiving living versus deceased donor kidneys and highlight some of the factors that can influence living kidney recipient outcomes. Finally, it discusses access to living donor kidney transplantation and reflects on some of the barriers and challenges to ensure all kidney failure transplant candidates have equal access and opportunities to proceed with a living kidney donor option.