Abstract
Introduction The increasing number of immigrant residents has resulted in more foreign patients on the kidney transplant waiting list. While the willingness of their relatives to participate in a living kidney donation program is not different from that of relatives of autochthonous patients, many extra logistic and financial problems have to be solved, when the potential donor has to travel to Rotterdam. The fear of the authorities that the donor might stay in the Netherlands after donation is another hurdle. Methods and Results We analysed 395 living kidney transplantations performed in Rotterdam from 1981 to 2003. In 32 instances the donor came from abroad. Another 14 potential foreign donors came to Rotterdam but did not donate for various reasons. We calculated the costs for visa, travel, insurance, and loss of income. Total financial impact for the 46 (potential) donors, amounted to Є 56,604.09, which is Є 1768.88 per actual performed donation. One kidney donor remained illegally in the Netherlands. Conclusion We conclude that the efforts and support for foreign kidney donors to come to the Netherlands is justified and cost-effective. No evidence was found for a kidney donation immigration route.
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