The Need for Living Organ Donors Is Great

With nearly 700 adult patients of Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) awaiting a liver or kidney transplant, the opportunity to become a living liver or kidney organ donor could be a phone call away.

Since the Center for Living Organ Donors began at YNHH in 2015, nearly 500 people have responded to the need for living organ donors. Such generous donations are helping chisel away the wait for liver and kidney transplants that, according to Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), currently impacts nearly 99,000 people nationwide.

“Patients who get a living donor kidney transplant or liver transplant have better outcomes. They get transplant faster with organs that are of better quality than from a deceased donor most of the time,” said Sanjay Kulkarni, MD, medical director, Center for Living Organ Donors.

“The biggest myth is that living donation and deceased donor transplant are equal, which they are not. Getting a living donor transplant also helps everyone as it removes one person from the waitlist so the person behind them moves up on the list,” noted Dr. Kulkarni.

There are two types of organ donations: living organ donation and/or deceased organ donation. Of the 186 organs transplanted at YNHH in 2023, 155 were abdominal organ transplants (liver or kidney) and 46 organs were from living organ donors. Nationally, more than 46,000 transplants were performed in 2023, with more than 6,900 of these from living organ donors, according to UNOS. Heart transplants are also performed through YNHH Heart and Vascular Center.

To become a living organ donor for kidney or liver transplant an initial requirement is to be at least 18 years of age; important considerations for prospective donors under age 21 include reasons for donation, added Dr. Kulkarni. The process involves extensive medical evaluation and testing, education and support. Even if one is not a match for a kidney donation, options remain to help another recipient get a kidney transplant through a kidney “swap” or “exchange.” With a liver transplant, only a portion of one’s liver is removed for transplant and the liver begins to regenerate almost immediately.

Learn more about ways to become an organ donor. Learn more about becoming a living organ donor or call YNHTC toll-free at 866-YALE-TXP (866-925-3897).