Medical Report: Kidney transplantation is safer than ever, study finds

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Organ donation was once considered highly experimental, but there have been tremendous advances over the last 40 years. Thousands of lives have not only been saved, but those who have received organs have gone on to live long and productive lives.

While many organs come from deceased individuals who have agreed to be organ donors, kidney donations often come from those who are still living.

A new report from NYU found kidney donation is safer than ever. Advances in laparoscopic surgery have reduced the death rate. Another reason for improved safety is improvement in the donor selection process, requiring donors to be healthier.

Overall, 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough .

​​KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.