Expired CME Article

Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Considerations

Authors: Anil S. Paramesh, MD, FACS, Mary T. Killackey, MD, Rubin Zhang, MD, FASN, Brent Alper, MD, Douglas P. Slakey, MD, MPH, Sander S. Florman, MD, FACS

Abstract

The use of living donor kidneys has dramatically increased the number and success of kidney transplants across the world. But questions remain regarding the subjection of a healthy individual to surgery for the benefit of another. Donors do have medical and financial risks. The stigma of organ brokering remains today, with evidence of commercial transplantation in other countries. Here in the US, we are exposed to advertising for donors using the media. In the hope of increasing living donations, we run the risk of stretching altruism too far. In this manuscript, we highlight and discuss some of the current controversies surrounding living donor kidney transplantation across the world.


Key Points


* Living donation has increased the number of kidney transplantations, but donors do risk medical and financial complications.


* There is a risk of commercialization of transplantation with the use of the media for advertising.


* With the hope of increasing living donations, we risk stretching the altruism of donors too far.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References