Donation & Recovery

If you’re considering living donation, it’s natural to have questions about the surgery and what life will be like afterward. Thousands of people donate a kidney each year and go on to live healthy, active lives. Here’s what you can expect.

Surgery & Hospital Stay

Kidney donation surgery typically takes 2–3 hours. Most donors recover in the hospital for 1–4 days. Most kidney donations are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which typically results in a shorter recovery time.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies by individual but usually follows this general timeline:

• 1–4 days: Recover in the hospital.
• 1 week: Avoid flying or strenuous travel.
• 2–8 weeks: Resume daily activities and return to work, depending on your job. Donors with physically demanding jobs may need more time.
• 2–6 months: Continue moderate exercise and gradually increase based on your medical professional’s advice.
• 6–12 months: You should feel back to normal.

You’ll be prescribed pain medication and may be sent home with stool softeners for constipation, which is a common side effect of surgery and pain meds. Fatigue is normal for the first few weeks.

Diet & Lifestyle

There are no major dietary restrictions after donation. Donors should eat balanced, nutritious meals to support healing and do not need to take ongoing medications.

Physical Activity

Daily walking is encouraged early in recovery. There are no limitations on non-contact sports after donation, including weight lifting, long-distance running, and extreme endurance events. Avoid contact sports unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Follow-Up Care

You’ll have routine check-ups at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery. These include blood and urine tests to ensure your remaining kidney is functioning well. Your transplant team will also monitor other health factors, like blood pressure and weight.

Long-Term Outlook

Living with one kidney doesn’t typically require lifestyle changes, but it’s important to stay healthy and follow medical guidance. Studies show that living kidney donors often live longer than the general population. If you donate through the National Kidney Registry, you’ll be prioritized for a living donor kidney transplant if you ever need one.

Emotional Well-Being

Many donors report emotional benefits after donation, such as improved self-esteem and a deepened sense of purpose. Some donors are able to connect with their recipient, which can also be a source of fulfillment.