Introduction
A living donor kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a living donor is transplanted into a patient with end-stage kidney disease.
This approach is widely recognized as the most effective long-term treatment for advanced kidney failure, offering better outcomes compared to dialysis or deceased-donor transplantation.
Living donor transplantation allows for planned surgery, reduced waiting time, and improved graft survival.
The procedure requires careful medical, ethical, and psychological evaluation of both the recipient and the donor to ensure safety and compatibility.
Türkiye is a trusted destination for advanced organ transplantation, offering experienced transplant surgeons, modern facilities, and strict ethical and medical standards.
Averia Health supports international patients through an ethical, structured, and fully coordinated living donor kidney transplant journey focused on safety, transparency, and long-term success.
Why Choose Türkiye for Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Türkiye is internationally recognized for high-quality kidney transplant care because of:
- Highly experienced kidney transplant surgeons
- Advanced transplant surgery and intensive care facilities
- Strict donor safety and ethical evaluation protocols
- Comprehensive pre- and post-transplant care
- Multidisciplinary transplant teams
- Internationally accredited hospitals
- High standards of infection control and patient safety
Türkiye combines surgical expertise with comprehensive transplant medicine.
Why Choose Averia Health
Averia Health provides structured coordination for living donor kidney transplantation:
- Pre-arrival review of recipient and donor medical records
- Coordination of compatibility and transplant evaluation
- Referral to experienced kidney transplant centers
- Multidisciplinary coordination (nephrology, surgery, anesthesia, immunology)
- Clear explanation of transplant process, risks, and expectations
- Professional interpreter services
- 24/7 patient and donor support during the stay
- Post-transplant follow-up and international care coordination
Our approach prioritizes ethical practice, donor safety, and patient-centered care.
Who Is a Candidate for Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Living donor kidney transplantation may be considered for:
- Patients with end-stage renal disease
- Patients with chronic kidney disease approaching dialysis
- Individuals with a suitable living donor
- Patients medically fit for major surgery
- Patients able to commit to long-term follow-up and medication adherence
Final eligibility is determined after comprehensive medical evaluation.
Living Kidney Donors
Living kidney donors are usually:
- Close relatives (parents, siblings, children)
- Spouses
- Other related or unrelated donors approved through ethical committees
Donors undergo thorough medical, psychological, and ethical evaluation to ensure:
- No harm to donor health
- Fully informed and voluntary consent
- Long-term safety and follow-up
Donor safety is a top priority throughout the process.
Diagnostic Evaluation Before Transplant
Comprehensive evaluation includes:
Recipient Evaluation
- Blood tests and kidney function assessment
- Blood group and tissue compatibility testing
- Cardiac and general medical evaluation
- Imaging studies
- Infection screening
Donor Evaluation
- Detailed kidney function tests
- Imaging of kidney anatomy
- General medical and psychological assessment
- Independent donor advocacy review
This process ensures safety and transplant success.
Transplant Surgery Procedure
Donor Surgery
The donor kidney is removed using minimally invasive or open surgical techniques, depending on anatomy and clinical factors.
Recipient Surgery
The donor kidney is implanted in the recipient’s pelvis and connected to blood vessels and urinary system.
Both procedures are performed by experienced transplant surgeons with specialized anesthesia and monitoring.
Treatment Journey in Türkiye
- Pre-Arrival Case Review
Recipient and donor medical records are reviewed in advance. - Comprehensive Transplant Evaluation
Medical, immunological, and ethical assessments are completed. - Transplant Planning
Surgical strategy and timing are confirmed. - Living Donor Kidney Transplant Surgery
Donor and recipient surgeries are performed safely. - Post-Operative Care & Monitoring
Close monitoring of kidney function and recovery. - Follow-Up & Long-Term Care Coordination
Immunosuppressive therapy and ongoing monitoring are coordinated internationally.
Expected Results & Benefits
- Restoration of kidney function
- Improved quality of life
- Freedom from long-term dialysis
- Better long-term survival compared to dialysis
- Planned surgery with reduced waiting time
Outcomes depend on donor compatibility, patient health, and adherence to follow-up care.
Risks & Considerations
Kidney transplantation is a major procedure and may involve:
Recipient Risks
- Surgical complications
- Rejection episodes
- Infection risk due to immunosuppression
- Need for lifelong medication
Donor Risks
- Surgical risks
- Temporary recovery period
- Long-term kidney health monitoring
All risks are carefully explained before proceeding.
What’s Included in Your Medical Trip
- Pre-transplant consultations and evaluations
- Living donor and recipient coordination
- Kidney transplant surgery
- Anesthesia and hospital services
- Post-operative care and medications
- Interpreter services
- 24/7 patient and donor support
- International follow-up and transplant care coordination
Averia Health ensures ethical, precise, and patient-centered transplant care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is living donor kidney transplant safe for the donor?
Yes. Donors are carefully selected and monitored to ensure long-term safety.
How long does a transplanted kidney last?
Many living donor kidneys function for many years with proper care.
Will I need lifelong medication?
Yes. Immunosuppressive medication is required to prevent rejection.
Can international patients receive kidney transplants in Türkiye?
Yes, in accordance with strict ethical and legal regulations.
Is follow-up possible after returning home?
Yes. Long-term international follow-up and coordination are provided.
Ready to Start Your Health Journey?
Restore kidney function and quality of life with a living donor kidney transplant in Türkiye.
Request a case review or contact us on WhatsApp to speak with our transplant coordination team.
