Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Give the Gift of a Second Chance
Every year, thousands of patients wait years for a kidney. As a living donor, you can change that — and likely save a life. Learn what it means to become a living kidney donor at Methodist Dallas.
Start You Application
Living Donor Application - English
Living Donor Application - Spanish
Advantages of Living Donation
Types of Living Donation
Who Can Be a Living Donor?
Our program requires living donors to meet the following criteria, designed to protect your health and the health of the recipient.
✓ Be at least 18 years of age
✓ Be in good overall physical and mental health
✓ Understand the risks of living donation
✓ Be willing to undergo a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation
Some health conditions may prevent donation. These will be reviewed during your evaluation — the process is designed to protect you as much as it is to help the recipient.
Your consent to become a donor is completely voluntary. You have the right to delay or stop the donation process at any time and the reason(s) to do so will be kept confidential.
The transplant team at Methodist Dallas Medical Center will discuss all aspects of living donation so that you make the best decision for YOU.
The Evaluation Process
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Submit Your Application
Complete the living donor application online — takes about 10 minutes. You'll share your basic medical history, current medications, and personal information.
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Meet Your Independent Living Donor Advocate (ILDA)
You'll be assigned a dedicated advocate who ensures your decision is fully informed and made in your best interest — with complete confidentiality at every step.
Confidential. No pressure. Your advocate only
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Complete Medical Testing
A comprehensive set of tests will evaluate your compatibility and overall health. This may include:
✓ Blood tests 24-hr urine analysis
✓ Chest X-ray & EKG CT angiogram
✓ Cancer screenings
✓ Psychosocial evaluation
Testing is designed to be efficient and respectful of your time.
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Transplant Committee Review
Once your evaluation is complete, a multidisciplinary transplant committee reviews your results and determines approval.
You'll receive a clear decision.
Expert panel review Approval or paired donation options
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Schedule Surgery
If approved and matched with your recipient, surgery is scheduled at a time that works for both of you.
Travel from out of town? Financial assistance for travel expenses may be available.
Donor Surgery & Recovery
Methodist Dallas specializes in minimally invasive nephrectomies using the latest surgical technology. Here's what recovery typically looks like.
Understanding Lifetime Risks
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Most studies indicate living donors can live a normal, healthy life with one kidney.
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One possible long-term risk is slightly higher blood pressure, which is manageable.
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Rare risks include pain, nerve damage, hernia, or intestinal obstruction.
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Your remaining kidney increases its capacity to compensate over time.
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70% function restored within 10–11 days
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After donating, your remaining kidney adapts and continues to improve — allowing for a full and healthy life.
Understanding the Costs
Cost should never be a barrier to becoming a donor. Here's what you need to know about how expenses are handled.
How Costs Are Covered?
Typically, the transplant recipient's insurance covers the living donor's medical expenses. Post-transplant expense coverage may vary by insurance plan.
Every insurance situation is unique. Our transplant team will walk you through exactly what may or may not be covered for your specific situation — at no obligation.
If you're traveling from out of town, financial assistance may be available to cover travel expenses.
Questions to ask our team:
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What costs, if any, will I be responsible for?
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Is there financial assistance available for my situation?
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Will my employer support me through this process?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions we hear most often from prospective donors.
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Will the recipient be removed from the waitlist while I'm evaluated?
No. The recipient's status on the deceased donor waitlist remains unchanged throughout your entire evaluation process.
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Are living donor transplants always successful?
Transplantation is highly successful and success rates continue to improve. There is a small chance that complications may occur — including rejection or surgical issues — but these are uncommon.
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How long does a transplanted kidney last?
The average living donor kidney lasts 15–20 years. By comparison, a deceased donor kidney lasts an average of 5–10 years — making living donation a significantly better long-term outcome.
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Will I need to return to the hospital for check-ups?
Yes. Your first follow-up is about two weeks post-discharge. We advise staying near Methodist Dallas for 2–3 weeks after surgery, and having a companion with you is strongly recommended.
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Do I have to follow a special diet after donating?
Typically, you can return to your normal diet unless you have specific health concerns. Our team recommends a diet that supports a healthy weight and overall wellbeing.
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Can I get pregnant or drink alcohol after donating?
Both are permitted once your doctor gives clearance. Alcohol consumption and pregnancy are possible after donation with appropriate medical guidance.
Additional Resources for Living Donation
Learn the benefits and process of living donor transplant at Methodist Dallas in this brief video.
Explore additional resources for Kidney Living Donation
Why Methodist Dallas
The Transplant Institute at Methodist Dallas Medical Center is one of the largest and most active multi-organ transplant centers in the southwestern United States, with over 40 years of excellence reflected in our transplant outcomes.
Patients travel from around the world to be treated by our multidisciplinary specialists. Every patient — donor or recipient — is part of the Methodist Health System family, and we are committed to their care with both compassion and expertise.