Living Kidney Donation Surgery & Recovery

Donor Nephrectomy

In the kidney donor surgery, the transplant surgeon removes a kidney from the donor. The procedure may be the traditional, open approach or the less invasive laparoscopic approach. There are advantages and risks to each procedure, and each donor should discuss each option with their surgeon. For information about testing before surgery, see the complete donor process.

• What to expect before surgery
• What to expect immediately after surgery
• Recovering at home and follow-up care

Learn more about surgical options for kidney donation, along with their advantages and risks.