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

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.