Abstract
We evaluated indications for renal transplantation (RT) and the possibility of living renal donation in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and patients on hemodialysis (HD). Of the 39 CRF patients, 15 were recognized as having indications for RT, and all 15 preferred RT to HD; 9 of the 15 ultimately obtained related or unrelated living renal donation. Of the 86 patients on HD, 31 had indications for RT and 11 of the 31 wanted RT, though not all were able to obtain living renal donation. Patients on HD tended not to prefer RT, because it is speculated that this is a reflection of the reluctance to obtain living renal donation from related or emotionally related persons. Since 1997 living RT has been performed in 12 patients with end-stage renal failure at our institution, which resulted in a satisfactory outcome to date. Although there are ethical problems in performing living RT, in view of the absolute shortage of cadaver renal donation, living RT is an important therapy for patients with end-stage renal failure. Providing sufficient information about RT is necessary to promote RT.
