Key messages

Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) occurs when a person with established renal failure (ERF) receives a kidney from a living relative, friend or stranger who has agreed to donate one of their kidneys. This is possible because most of the general population has two kidneys and can lead a normal, healthy life with just one kidney.

LDKT offers advantages over deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT), including reduced time to donation, increased opportunity for suitability testing and potentially, a healthier donated kidney which may contribute to living donor kidneys lasting longer and therefore improved survival rates. 

Our economic modelling, based on data from Public Health Scotland, found that LDKT was cost-effective compared with DDKT and kidney dialysis. 

• LDKT and DDKT are both less costly and more effective than kidney dialysis for the treatment of patients with ERF.
• LDKT is less costly and more effective than DDKT for patients with ERF.

Referred by

NHS National Services Scotland's National Services Division (NSD)