Procedure Guide
Living kidney donation is a life-saving procedure in which a healthy person donates one kidney to a patient with kidney failure. The donor surgery — a nephrectomy — is performed by a surgeon experienced in kidney removal, and the donor can live a full, healthy life with one kidney.
Quick Guide
Procedure
Donor nephrectomy (kidney removal)
Approach
Laparoscopic or robotic
Hospital Stay
2–3 days typical
Return to Work
2–4 weeks for most donors
Patient-First Note
Donating a kidney is a significant decision. The evaluation process is thorough and designed to protect the donor's health and ensure the best outcome for both donor and recipient.
Why It Matters
Kidneys from living donors typically function better and last longer than those from deceased donors. Living donation also significantly reduces wait time for the recipient.
Safety
The evaluation process ensures that donors are healthy enough to give a kidney safely. Donors with health risks are not approved. Long-term studies show living donors have outcomes comparable to the general population.
One Kidney
The remaining kidney compensates by increasing its function. Most donors experience no change in lifestyle, activity level, or life expectancy.
The Procedure
Donor nephrectomy is typically performed laparoscopically through small incisions. The kidney is removed intact and immediately transplanted into the recipient.
Evaluation
The evaluation is comprehensive and includes blood work, kidney function testing, cross-matching with the recipient, CT imaging of the kidneys and blood vessels, cardiac evaluation, and psychological screening.
The process is designed to identify any condition that could put the donor at risk during or after surgery. Not everyone who wants to donate is approved — donor safety always comes first.
25+ Years in Transplant
Dr. Bayouth began performing living donor nephrectomies at Baylor All Saints in the early 2000s and is currently helping lead the donor program at Harris Methodist.
In 2025, Dr. Bayouth performed the first robotic-assisted laparoscopic left donor nephrectomy at Harris Methodist — bringing the latest surgical technology to living kidney donation in Fort Worth. He then went on to help achieve a record-breaking year of 21 living donor kidney donations, reflecting both the trust of referring physicians and the growing demand for experienced donor surgeons in the DFW area.
Procedure
Donor nephrectomy is most commonly performed laparoscopically or with robotic assistance. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen, and the kidney is carefully freed from its attachments and blood supply using precise, camera-guided instruments.
The kidney is removed through a small incision (typically in the lower abdomen) and immediately prepared for transplantation. The remaining kidney begins compensating almost immediately.
How Care Is Planned
Laparoscopic
The most common method for donor nephrectomy. Small incisions with camera guidance offer less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Robotic-Assisted
Robotic-assisted donor nephrectomy provides the surgeon with enhanced dexterity, 3D visualization, and precise instrument control. This can be particularly beneficial for navigating the kidney's blood supply and surrounding anatomy.
Open Nephrectomy
Rarely needed for donors, but may be considered if anatomy or prior surgery makes a laparoscopic approach unsafe. Involves a larger flank or abdominal incision.
Recovery Timeline
Step 1
The screening process takes several weeks and involves multiple appointments, tests, and consultations to ensure donor suitability and safety.
Step 2
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy typically takes two to three hours. The donor is monitored in the hospital for two to three days.
Step 3
Donors experience fatigue, mild pain at incision sites, and activity restrictions. Most donors manage pain with oral medication and gradually increase activity.
Step 4
Most donors return to work within two to four weeks and resume full activity within four to six weeks. Long-term follow-up monitors kidney function annually.
Common Questions
Yes. The remaining kidney increases its function to compensate. Long-term studies show that living kidney donors have a normal life expectancy and excellent quality of life.
Yes. After full recovery, most donors return to their prior level of physical activity without restriction, including exercise and sports.
The long-term risks are very low. There is a small increase in the lifetime risk of developing kidney failure compared to the general population, but the absolute risk remains extremely low.
Living donation can be directed (to a specific person) or non-directed (altruistic). Cross-matching and blood type compatibility are evaluated during screening. Paired exchange programs can also facilitate donation when direct compatibility is not possible.
Consultation
Call our office to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bayouth. This page is educational and should not replace personal medical advice.