Surgical evaluation of candidates for donation. Selection of the kidney

Living donation for kidney transplantation is being promoted due to the shortage of organs, the improved outcomes of living donor transplants and the evolution of immunosuppression regimens. The process of organ donation from a living donor affects not only medical-surgical features but also emotional, social and economic. Using kidneys from living donors involves a great responsibility in evaluation and selection. Candidates for donation undergo an extensive set of examinations in order to optimize selection and to plan surgery. Radiological evaluation is one of the most important features of the evaluation process and selection of the kidney; it shows precisely the renal vascular anatomy, which is decisive in the choice of the kidney and helps to optimize the process and diminish risks and complications during extraction and/or tronsplantation. The advantages on imaging tests allow to evaluate potential donors in a safely, fast and almost noninvasive matter. The aim of the process is to select the kidney with less likelihood of failure due to technical reasons, and always leave the best kidney for the donor.