After surgery, the donor may spend several hours in the recovery room. As soon as the anesthesia has worn off and the donor
feels up to it, the Team will encourage the donor to get out of bed and walk around.
The I.V. and catheter may remain in place for a few days.
Donors usually return home within a few days after surgery. They return to the Kidney Transplant Clinic for a postoperative
checkup with the Transplant Team about two weeks after surgery. After that, they are discharged back to the care of their
primary care doctor.
Donors are encouraged not to attempt any heavy lifting or rough contact sports until at least 2 weeks after the operation.
If no complications arise, donors usually return to work 2 - 3 weeks after surgery.
Donors should have regular checkups with their primary care doctor, with yearly blood and urine tests to check kidney function.
They should also monitor their blood pressure.
