The majority of kidneys that are transplanted come from deceased organ donors.
Organ donors are adults who have become critically ill and will not live as a
result of their illness. Parents or spouses can also agree to donate a
relative's organs. Donors can come from any part of the United States. This type
of transplant is called a cadaveric transplant.
A person receiving a transplant usually receives only one kidney, but, in
rare situations, he/she may receive two from a cadaveric donor. Some
experimentation with splitting one kidney for two recipients is underway. Family
members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may also be able
to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living
transplant. Individuals who donate a kidney can live healthy lives with the
kidney that remains.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there were nearly 16,829
kidney-alone transplant procedures performed in 2009.