New research concludes that donating a kidney is safer than ever

A recent study published in JAMA indicates that the risk of death for individuals who donate a kidney has decreased significantly over the past decade, making it safer than ever to donate this life-saving organ. Advancements in surgery, medical care, and donor selection have contributed to the improved safety of kidney donation procedures. Currently, there are nearly 90,000 individuals waiting for kidney transplants in the United States, with an average wait time of three to five years. The study analyzed data from 164,593 kidney donors and found that mortality rates within 90 days of surgery decreased from 13 deaths per 10,000 in the 1990s to just 5 deaths per 10,000 in recent years. The most common cause of death post-donation was excessive bleeding. The study highlights the safety and low risks associated with kidney donation, encouraging more individuals to consider becoming living donors. Data also suggests that kidney donors experience stable kidney function and only a slightly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease compared to non-donors. Ultimately, the findings aim to alleviate concerns surrounding kidney donation and address the shortage of donors in the U.S. Medical professionals hope that the positive data will motivate more individuals to donate kidneys and provide the gift of life to those in need.

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