Ethical issues in living donor kidney transplantation.

The ethical issues of living donor kidney transplantation, which is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal failure, are the focus of intense debate. Some of those issues are related to the safety of the operation for the donor, and others are related to the motivation of the donor, the approach to and evaluation of the donor, donation by strangers, the commercialization of donation, surrogate consent for donation, and the acceptance of minors as donors. The lack of clear consensus regarding these issues results in differences in practice, not only among countries but also among transplant centers. We believe that after an open debate, agreement on certain generally accepted principles can be achieved. Such an agreement would protect potential donors and recipients and would ensure the future of living donor kidney transplantation.