Common Misconceptions About Kidney Transplantation

Thousands of people in Turkey are waiting for a transplant every year due to kidney failure. However, one of the biggest problems is hearsay about kidney transplantation. Organ Transplant Center General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel UMMAN states that these misconceptions negatively affect the decisions of patients and donors.

If I Give My Kidney, I Will Also Get Sick: False

One of the most common fears in society is the idea that living with one kidney is unhealthy. However, medically, healthy individuals can live their lives with one kidney without any problems. The donor is subjected to detailed examinations and only those who are found suitable are taken into surgery.

Transplantation Offers a Longer and More Comfortable Life:True

It is thought that dialysis is safer and transplantation is dangerous. On the contrary, transplantation means a longer and better quality of life for eligible patients. The transplant recipient can return to work, play sports and even have children.

If the transplanted kidney wears out, the process is wasted: False

If the transplanted kidney loses its function over the years, the patient may be put back on dialysis or evaluated for a new transplant. The years gained are very valuable for both the patient and his/her family.

Not Only Relatives, Voluntary Donors Can Donate Kidneys: True

One of the misconceptions in society is that kidneys can only be donated by relatives. Yes, relatives have priority, but when tissue compatibility is achieved, transplantation can also be performed from a spouse or a volunteer with the approval of the ethics committee.

The elderly cannot get a kidney transplant:  False

The idea that “transplantation cannot be performed after a certain age” is also wrong. If there are appropriate health conditions, kidney transplantation can be successfully performed in individuals over the age of 70.

Donor and recipient surgeries are performed under safe conditions: True

Some donors think that the surgery is very risky. However, donor and recipient surgeries are performed by separate teams in separate operating rooms. All medical safety measures are taken throughout the process and the health of both the donor and the recipient is the top priority.

Transplant Patients Stay in the Hospital All the Time: False

Post-transplant checks are performed. This does not mean living dependent on the hospital. Over time, follow-up intervals are extended and the patient returns to his/her routine life.

The donor also does sports and continues to work: True

People who are donors can continue their daily lives from where they left off after completing the postoperative rest period. Sports, traveling, work... Life continues where it left off.

People With Chronic Diseases Cannot Be Kidney Donors: False

Some chronic conditions, especially those that are well controlled (e.g. hypertension), may not preclude being a donor. This is evaluated individually for each patient.

Organ Donation is a Conscientious Responsibility: True

The fear that “organ donation is a sin” is also very common. However, many religious institutions, including the Presidency of Religious Affairs, have clearly stated that organ donation is permissible. Saving a life is an extremely valuable act from a religious point of view.

Transplantation Prevents Having Children: False

After transplantation, a healthy woman can become a mother with proper follow-up and planning. The process is managed together with Nephrology and Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. Women can become pregnant after transplantation.

I can save a life with one kidney: True

Yeditepe University Hospitals Organ Transplant Center General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel UMMAN concludes his words as follows: "Organ donation is not a favor, but a human duty. Unfortunately, common misconceptions prevent many lives from being saved. With a kidney, you can give life to someone and change the fate of a family."