Strengthening of donor–recipient relation as a result of living donation

Abstract

Kidney transplant from a living donor is the best method of treatment for end-stage renal disease, as life expectancy of the organ and the recipient is longer, while the kidney itself is characterized by better functionality. A donation of a kidney to a close person is an act of empathy, but it is also associated with strong stress. A research was conducted to specify whether the relation between the donor and the recipient changes after a kidney donation, and what the nature of such changes would be. The survey was conducted on patients who had donated their kidneys to people who were either genetically related to them or remained in an emotional relationship — spouses. The research was conducted between 01/02/2013 and 15/12/2014. Evidence was gathered from 52 surveyed patients of age between 23 and 73. Completed results confirmed the strengthening of the bond between the donor and the recipient. Changes in relations were positive, with a visible improvement of interpersonal relations, as well as the feeling of closer affinity between the donor and the recipient. Women after donation spent more time with the recipients. Also, in the instances
where the donor spent more time with the recipient, they provided more positive feedback on the medical care received during the perioperative period and in the procedure of periodic checks.