Living Kidney Donation in the Philippines: A Literature Review Informed by Global Perspectives


Authors : Micah M. Dela Cruz; Aldin D. Gaspar

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/nhzku5bu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may1341

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This literature review contains an overview of organ donation and transplantation, policies, and practices. It also provides a glimpse of the characteristics of the donors along with the risks and benefits of their undertaking. A literature search was completed using databases like PubMed, OVID Journals, ProQuest, Science Direct, and the Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN). The search terms used were "kidney donation," "living kidney donors," "kidney transplant," and "lived experiences." This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of organ donation and transplantation, with a focus on living kidney donation. It examines the rising prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the importance of kidney transplantation as a treatment. The review also discusses the ethical and legal frameworks governing organ donation, including global and Philippine-specific policies, and the factors influencing the decision to donate. Additionally, it explores the benefits and risks associated with living kidney donation for both donors and recipients. It also emphasizes the importance of thorough donor evaluation and post-donation care.

References :

  1. Jager, K. J., Kovesdy, C., Langham, R., Rosenberg, M., Jha, V., & Zoccali, C. (2019). A single number for advocacy and communication-worldwide more than 850 million individuals have kidney diseases. Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, 34(11), 1803–1805. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfz174
  2. Montemayor, M. (2023). 7M Filipinos have chronic kidney disease as of 2021. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202791
  3. National Kidney Foundation. (2020). NKD statement on the ESRD treatment choices model (ETC) and policies to improve kidney patient choice.  https://www.kidney.org/press-room/nkf-statement-esrd-treatment-choices-model-etc-and-policies-to-improve-kidney-patient
  4. Phillips, N. (2016). Berry & Kohn’s Operating Room Technique - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  5. Nordham, K. D., & Ninokawa, S. (2021). The history of organ transplantation. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 35(1), 124–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2021.1985889
  6. Domínguez-Gil, B., Ascher, N., Capron, A. M., Gardiner, D., Manara, A. R., Bernat, J. L., Miñambres, E., Singh, J. M., Porte, R. J., Markmann, J. F., Dhital, K., Ledoux, D., Fondevila, C., Hosgood, S., Van Raemdonck, D., Keshavjee, S., Dubois, J., McGee, A., Henderson, G. V., Glazier, A. K., … Delmonico, F. L. (2021). Expanding controlled donation after the circulatory determination of death: statement from an international collaborative. Intensive care medicine, 47(3), 265–281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-020-06341-7
  7. Salvador-Roses, I., Torres-Sierra, S., & Pont Castellana, T. (2021). Ethical and legal issues related to living kidney donation. In Current Strategies for Living Donor Kidney Transplantation (Chapter 7). European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK581485/
  8. WHO guiding Principles on Human Cell, Tissue and Organ Transplantation. (2010). Transplantation, 90(3), 229–233. https://doi.org/10.1097/tp.0b013e3181ec29f0
  9. The Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism (2018 edition). (2019). Transplantation, 103(2), 218–219. https://doi.org/10.1097/tp.0000000000002540
  10. Supreme Court E-Library. (2019). Revised national policy on living non-related donation and transplantation and its implementing structure amending for the purpose Administrative Order No. 2008-0004-A. https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/10/52059
  11. Department of Health. (2023). Orientation on Administrative Order No. 2021-0059 “Guidelines on Ethical Donation and Transplantation from Living Donors” and Standard Operating Procedures for HTEC on July 26 & 27, 2023. https://doh.gov.ph/gop-cos-hfdb-2023-002-ntp/
  12. Kurleto, P., Tomaszek, L., Milaniak, I., & Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska, W. (2022). Factors Associated with the Willingness to Become a Living Kidney Donor: A National Cross-Sectional Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3), 1313. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031313
  13. Van Pilsum Rasmussen, S. E., Robin, M., Saha, A., Eno, A., Lifshitz, R., Waldram, M. M., Getsin, S. N., Chu, N. M., Ammary, F. A., Segev, D. L., & Henderson, M. L. (2020). The Tangible Benefits of Living Donation: Results of a qualitative study of living kidney donors. Transplantation Direct, 6(12), e626. https://doi.org/10.1097/txd.0000000000001068
  14. Milaniak, I., Rużyczka, E. W., & Przybyłowski, P. (2020). Factors influencing decision making about living donation among medical students. Transplantation Proceedings, 52(7), 1994–2000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.03.049
  15. Vilayur, E., Van Zwieten, A., Chen, M., Francis, A., Wyld, M., Kim, S., Cooper, T., & Wong, G. (2023). Sex and Gender Disparities in Living Kidney Donation: A Scoping Review. Transplantation Direct, 9(9), e1530. https://doi.org/10.1097/txd.0000000000001530
  16. Irving, M. J., Tong, A., Jan, S., Cass, A., Rose, J., Chadban, S., Allen, R. D., Craig, J. C., Wong, G., & Howard, K. (2011b). Factors that influence the decision to be an organ donor: a systematic review of the qualitative literature. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 27(6), 2526–2533. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfr683
  17. Bailey, P., Edwards, A., & Courtney, A. E. (2016). Living kidney donation. BMJ, i4746. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i4746
  18. Woo K. T. (1992). Social and cultural aspects of organ donation in Asia. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 21(3), 421–427.
  19. Arcena, M. B. M., Chua-Garcia, M. L., Rosete-Liquete,, R. M. O., & Camique, N. B. (2005). Motivations of living non-related donors in kidney transplantation. Philippine Journal of Nephrology, 20(2), 64-68. Herdin.
  20. Offen, C. (2019). 5 Big benefits of living donation for the donor. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/5-big-benefits-living-donation-donor
  21. Ummel, D., Achille, M., & Mekkelholt, J. (2011). Donors and Recipients of Living Kidney Donation: A Qualitative Metasummary of Their Experiences. Journal of Transplantation, 2011. PubMed. https://doi:10.1155/2011/626501
  22. Avrami, C. (2021). Why is living kidney donation important?. In C. Avrami (Eds.) et. al., Current Strategies for Living Donor Kidney Transplantation. European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA).
  23. UC Davis Health. (2025). The benefits of living donation. UC Davis Transplant Center. https://health.ucdavis.edu/transplant/livingkidneydonation/the-benefits-of-living-donation.html
  24. Brown University Health. (2025). Advantages and risks of living kidney donation. https://www.brownhealth.org/centers-services/transplant-center/donor-guide/kidney-donation-process/advantages
  25. British Transplantation Society. (2018). Guidelines for Living Donor Kidney Transplantation. British Transplantation Society Active Guidelines & Standards. https://bts.org.uk/guidelines-standards/
  26. Pamugas, G. E. P., Baloloy, L. C. V., Lambas, A., & Serrano, D. P. (2014). Manual of Kidney Transplantation. National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippines.
  27. Massey, E. K., Rule, A. D., & Matas, A. J. (2024). Living Kidney Donation: A Narrative Review of Mid- and Long-term Psychosocial Outcomes. Transplantation, 109(2), 259–272. https://doi.org/10.1097/TP.0000000000005094
  28. Wirken, L., van Middendorp, H., Hooghof, C. W., Rovers, M. M., Hoitsma, A. J., Hilbrands, L. B., & Evers, A. W. (2015). The Course and Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Living Kidney Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 15(12), 3041–3054. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.13453
  29. Wirken, L., van Middendorp, H., Hooghof, C. W., Sanders, J. F., Dam, R. E., van der Pant, K. A. M. I., Wierdsma, J. M., Wellink, H., van Duijnhoven, E. M., Hoitsma, A. J., Hilbrands, L. B., & Evers, A. W. M. (2019). Psychosocial consequences of living kidney donation: a prospective multicentre study on health-related quality of life, donor-recipient relationships and regret. Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, 34(6), 1045–1055. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfy307
  30. Maple, H., Chilcot, J., Weinman, J., & Mamode, N. (2017). Psychosocial wellbeing after living kidney donation - a longitudinal, prospective study. Transplant international : official journal of the European Society for Organ Transplantation, 30(10), 987–1001. https://doi.org/10.1111/tri.12974
  31. Klop, K. W. J., Timman, R., Busschbach, J. J., Dols, L. F. C., Dooper, I. M., Weimar, W., Ijzermans, J. N. M., & Kok, N. F. M. (2018). Multivariate Analysis of Health-related Quality of Life in Donors After Live Kidney Donation. Transplantation proceedings, 50(1), 42–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.10.019
  32. Lumsdaine, J. A., Wray, A., Power, M. J., Jamieson, N. V., Akyol, M., Andrew Bradley, J., Forsythe, J. L., & Wigmore, S. J. (2005). Higher quality of life in living donor kidney transplantation: prospective cohort study. Transplant international : official journal of the European Society for Organ Transplantation, 18(8), 975–980. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1432-2277.2005.00175.x
  33. Suwelack, B., Berger, K., Wolters, H., Gerß, J. W. O., Bormann, E., Wörmann, V., Burgmer, M., & SoLKiD study group (2022). Results of the prospective multicenter SoLKiD cohort study indicate bio-psycho-social outcome risks to kidney donors 12 months after donation. Kidney international, 101(3), 597–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2021.12.007
  34. Jacobs, C. L., Gross, C. R., Messersmith, E. E., Hong, B. A., Gillespie, B. W., Hill-Callahan, P., Taler, S. J., Jowsey, S. G., Beebe, T. J., Matas, A. J., Odim, J., Ibrahim, H. N., & RELIVE Study Group (2015). Emotional and Financial Experiences of Kidney Donors over the Past 50 Years: The RELIVE Study. Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, 10(12), 2221–2231. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.07120714
  35. Gross, C. R., Messersmith, E. E., Hong, B. A., Jowsey, S. G., Jacobs, C., Gillespie, B. W., Taler, S. J., Matas, A. J., Leichtman, A., Merion, R. M., Ibrahim, H. N., & RELIVE Study Group (2013). Health-related quality of life in kidney donors from the last five decades: results from the RELIVE study. American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 13(11), 2924–2934. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.12434
  36. Wirken, L., van Middendorp, H., Hooghof, C. W., Sanders, J. S., Dam, R., van der Pant, K. A. M. I., Wierdsma, J., Wellink, H., Ulrichts, P., Hoitsma, A. J., Hilbrands, L. B., & Evers, A. W. (2022). Combining transplant professional's psychosocial donor evaluation and donor self-report measures to optimise the prediction of HRQoL after kidney donation: an observational prospective multicentre study. BMJ open, 12(3), e045249. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045249
  37. Chen, K., Yeh, L., Huang, H., Chiang, Y., Lin, M., Hsieh, C., & Weng, L. (2016). Factors determining physical and mental quality of life of living kidney donors in Taiwan. Transplantation Proceedings, 48(3), 745–748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.12.060
  38. Schnitzbauer, A. A., Hornung, M., Seidel, U., Krüger, B., Krämer, B. K., Schlitt, H. J., & Obed, A. (2007). Does mini‐incision donor nephrectomy improve quality of life in living kidney donors? Clinical Transplantation, 21(2), 235–240. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0012.2006.00631.x
  39. Kok, N. F., Alwayn, I. P., Tran, K. T., Hop, W. C., Weimar, W., & IJzermans, J. N. (2006). Psychosocial and Physical Impairment after Mini-Incision open and Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a prospective study. Transplantation, 82(10), 1291–1297. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.tp.0000239312.45050.05
  40. Han, W., Lee, H., Jeon, H., Joo, D., Rha, K., & Yang, S. (2010). Quality of Life Comparison between open and retroperitoneal Video-Assisted minilaparotomy surgery for kidney donors. Transplantation Proceedings, 42(5), 1479–1483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.01.070
  41. Hoda, M. R., Hamza, A., Wagner, S., Greco, F., & Fornara, P. (2010). Impact of hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy on donor's quality of life, emotional, and social state. Transplantation proceedings, 42(5), 1487–1491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.01.078
  42. Wahba, R., Vitinius, F., Walczuch, B., Dieplinger, G., Buchner, D., Datta, R., Lürssen, N., Schlößer, H. A., Thomas, M., Müller, R., Kann, M., Hellmich, M., Kurschat, C., & Stippel, D. L. (2021). Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Donor Nephrectomy Compared to Anterior Approach Open Donor Nephrectomy: Improved Long-Term Physical Component Score in Health-Related Quality of Life in Living Kidney Donors. Transplantation proceedings, 53(3), 786–792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.08.026
  43. Dols, L. F., Ijzermans, J. N., Wentink, N., Tran, T. C., Zuidema, W. C., Dooper, I. M., Weimar, W., & Kok, N. F. (2010). Long-term follow-up of a randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and mini-incision open live donor nephrectomy. American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 10(11), 2481–2487. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03281.x
  44. Sharma, V. K., & Enoch, M. D. (1987). Psychological sequelae of kidney donation. A 5-10 year follow up study. Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica, 75(3), 264–267. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1987.tb02787.x
  45. Jordan, J., Sann, U., Janton, A., Gossmann, J., Kramer, W., Kachel, H. G., Wilhelm, A., & Scheuermann, E. (2004). Living kidney donors' long-term psychological status and health behavior after nephrectomy - a retrospective study. Journal of nephrology, 17(5), 728–735.
  46. Rodrigue, J. R., Schold, J. D., Morrissey, P., Whiting, J., Vella, J., Kayler, L. K., Katz, D., Jones, J., Kaplan, B., Fleishman, A., Pavlakis, M., Mandelbrot, D. A., & KDOC Study Group (2018). Mood, body image, fear of kidney failure, life satisfaction, and decisional stability following living kidney donation: Findings from the KDOC study. American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 18(6), 1397–1407. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.14618
  47. Timmerman, L., Laging, M., Westerhof, G. J., Timman, R., Zuidema, W. C., Beck, D. K., IJzermans, J. N., Betjes, M. G., Busschbach, J. J., Weimar, W., & Massey, E. K. (2015). Mental health among living kidney donors: a prospective comparison with matched controls from the general population. American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 15(2), 508–517. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.13046
  48. Tanriverdi, N., Ozçürümez, G., Colak, T., Dürü, C., Emiroğlu, R., Zileli, L., & Haberal, M. (2004). Quality of life and mood in renal transplantation recipients, donors, and controls: preliminary report. Transplantation proceedings, 36(1), 117–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2003.11.003
  49. Taskintuna, N., Ozcurumez, G., Duru, C., Colak, T., & Haberal, M. (2009). Psychosocial aspects of living-related donor renal transplantation: Quality of life and mood in recipients, donors and controls. International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice, 13(3), 218–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/13651500902846447
  50. Holscher, C. M., Leanza, J., Thomas, A. G., Waldram, M. M., Haugen, C. E., Jackson, K. R., Bae, S., Massie, A. B., & Segev, D. L. (2018). Anxiety, depression, and regret of donation in living kidney donors. BMC nephrology, 19(1), 218. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-018-1024-0
  51. Jowsey, S. G., Jacobs, C., Gross, C. R., Hong, B. A., Messersmith, E. E., Gillespie, B. W., Beebe, T. J., Kew, C., Matas, A., Yusen, R. D., Hill-Callahan, M., Odim, J., Taler, S. J., & RELIVE Study Group (2014). Emotional well-being of living kidney donors: findings from the RELIVE Study. American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 14(11), 2535–2544. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.12906
  52. Krishnan, N., Mumford, L., Lipkin, G., Gill, P., Fletcher, S., Dasgupta, I., Ryan, R., & Raymond, N. T. (2020). Comparison of Medium-term Outcomes of Living Kidney Donors With Longitudinal Healthy Control in the United Kingdom. Transplantation, 104(3), e65–e74. https://doi.org/10.1097/TP.0000000000003082
  53. Lentine, K. L., Kasiske, B. L., Levey, A. S., Adams, P. L., Alberú, J., Bakr, M. A., Gallon, L., Garvey, C. A., Guleria, S., Li, P. K., Segev, D. L., Taler, S. J., Tanabe, K., Wright, L., Zeier, M. G., Cheung, M., & Garg, A. X. (2017). KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline on the Evaluation and Care of Living Kidney Donors. Transplantation, 101(8S Suppl 1), S1–S109. https://doi.org/10.1097/TP.0000000000001769

This literature review contains an overview of organ donation and transplantation, policies, and practices. It also provides a glimpse of the characteristics of the donors along with the risks and benefits of their undertaking. A literature search was completed using databases like PubMed, OVID Journals, ProQuest, Science Direct, and the Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN). The search terms used were "kidney donation," "living kidney donors," "kidney transplant," and "lived experiences." This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of organ donation and transplantation, with a focus on living kidney donation. It examines the rising prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the importance of kidney transplantation as a treatment. The review also discusses the ethical and legal frameworks governing organ donation, including global and Philippine-specific policies, and the factors influencing the decision to donate. Additionally, it explores the benefits and risks associated with living kidney donation for both donors and recipients. It also emphasizes the importance of thorough donor evaluation and post-donation care.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe