Why is living donor kidney transplant important?
For thousands of people with kidney failure, a kidney transplant is the key to freeing them from the restrictions of dialysis and enabling them to lead longer, healthier lives. Research statistics for just one group of patients show the difference a transplant can make: People between the ages of 40 and 59 who have diabetes and are on dialysis have an estimated life expectancy of eight years. If the same set of patients receives a kidney transplant, their estimated life expectancy jumps to 22 years. Unfortunately, the number of people waiting for a kidney transplant is growing faster than the number of donated organs. For some people with kidney failure, the average time on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney – four to five years – is longer than their life expectancy on dialysis. Living donor kidney transplants are the best chance for some people with kidney disease to get a second chance at life.
