A cross-kidney transplant was performed recently between three families in separate countries – two from Israel and one from Abu Dhabi.
When a patient needs a kidney transplant, but has no compatible family or partner donor, a cross-kidney transplant may be a viable solution.
Kidney paired donations consist of an exchange of kidneys between live donors and their recipients. Normally an anonymous procedure, this type of kidney transplant involves an active acquaintance and familiarity between the families of donors and recipients. The relationship has come to be known as ‘the kidney brotherhood.’
The global shortage of kidneys from deceased donors has become critical and it’s hoped cross-kidney transplants between live donors will help to alleviate the problem.
Written by Richard J. Paracka
