According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, more than 108,780 people in the United States are currently on a transplant waiting list. About 11,317 of those are waiting in Texas.
Texas, unfortunately, holds the distinction of having the largest percentage of dialysis patients in the entire United States. San Antonio has a disproportionate number of patients on dialysis compared to other parts of the country.
For those waiting on certain organ transplants, innovations may speed up their wait.
As Dr. Suverta Bhayana, a nephrologist at the University Health Transplant Institute, explains, the most common type of organ transplant is via the deceased donor option. However, living donor organ transplants are becoming an increasingly viable and transformative option, offering more hope to those in need of a liver or kidney transplant.
The Role and Impact of Living Organ Donors
“Each day, 13 people in the United States die while waiting for an organ transplant,” said Dr. Bhayana. “The need for donated organs far surpasses actual donations, leaving many people waiting for months and even years.”
The need for kidney donations is particularly high. In fact, about 94,489 people, which is 87% of the transplant waiting list, are waiting for a kidney. Because of the great need for kidneys, the average wait time for a kidney transplant is between five and eight years, depending on the recipient’s blood type. Living organ donation can change this.
Living Organ Donation Reduces Wait Time, Has Better Outcomes
Because a healthy individual can live with only one kidney, living kidney donation is an important option in kidney transplantation. As more people choose to be living donors, the wait time for a kidney transplant is expected to decrease significantly. “Research has shown that recipients of organs from living donors have better outcomes than those who receive organs from deceased donors,” said Dr. Bhayana. Living donation helps people get off dialysis immediately and provides twice the longevity of life compared to deceased donor transplants.
Importantly, data show that donors live just as long and often longer than the general public. They don’t need to take medications because of their donation, and women can still get pregnant and have children if they wish.
Advancements in Medical Technology and Organ Regeneration
While living organ donation has been around for decades, new advancements in techniques and technology are now allowing for more living donations than ever before.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), 7,239 people became living organ donors, a 3% increase over 2024.
During a kidney donor surgery, one entire kidney is removed from one person and transplanted into another. In a liver transplant, on the other hand, only a portion of the liver is removed. The remaining liver regenerates (or regrows) in the living liver donor’s body and grows into a whole organ in the recipient’s body.
To successfully perform living liver transplants, researchers first had to understand how liver cells regenerate and what was possible for donation. Significant research was also required before other organs could be donated from living donors.
A living donor can also donate many different tissues in the body. As further research is performed, it’s possible that additional living donor transplants may become a reality.
The success of a living liver donation depends on our understanding of liver regeneration and the technological advancements that have made these complex surgeries safer and more effective. As medical technology advances, the potential to increase the number of successful living liver transplants — and, in turn, save more lives — continues to grow.
Learn more about how University Health is the nation’s leading liver transplant program, according to Interlink.
The Process of a Living Organ Donation
If you want to donate an organ to a loved one or want to donate to someone in need, thank you for even considering it! Living organ donations make a significant impact.
Donor Evaluation
“To donate, you’ll first need to fill out the online questionnaire,” said Shanna Puente, Assistant Director of the Champion for Life program at University Health. “After the questionnaire, you will undergo a thorough evaluation that includes a physical exam, a mental health evaluation and other testing to ensure you’re qualified and healthy enough to donate.”
This evaluation will also carefully assess your social support system and your financial situation.
Financial Cost
Living donors don’t pay for the cost of their evaluation, surgery, hospitalization or follow-up care because the recipient’s insurance covers them. There is no cost to the donor or their family in this process.
However, there are other factors involved with living donations, like:
- Transportation
- Lodging (if you are undergoing surgery out of town)
- Food
- Childcare
- Loss of wages due to recovery time
Organizations such as the National Living Donor Assistance Fund cover up to $6,000 of these related costs for living donors. University Health is one of their partner transplant programs and will work with you to submit your application for assistance.
Living donors are not paid for their donations. However, most donors express feelings of fulfillment at being able to help someone in need.
Paired Donation
Puente says there is a third option for people to consider: A paired donation.
“If you're looking to donate to a loved one or someone you know, you will need to do more tests to see if you are what transplant specialists consider an ‘optimal match,’” said Puente. “If you are not the best match, you may still be able to help through something called a paired donation."
This type of donation means you donate to someone you match with, and their donor gives a kidney to your loved one because they are a better match.
Read two patients' paired kidney donation story in our blog.
Non-Directed Organ Donation
If you’re interested in becoming a living donor to someone you do not know, you’ll be matched with someone compatible on the transplant waiting list. You often will allow for the creation of a living donor swap or chain. Becoming a living donor provides purpose and a positive emotional experience in knowing you helped save someone’s life.
Champion for Life at University Health
Are you or someone you know, in need of a kidney or liver transplant? At University Health Transplant Institute, we empower our patients and their support systems to help find their living organ donor. This is done through our Champion for Life program, which is nationally recognized by Donate Life America.
Through Champion for Life, our transplant team will provide your champion with education and resources needed to share your story, in hopes of finding you a donor sooner.
For more information or to join the program, email ChampionForLife@uhtx.com.
