29^th European Nephrology Conference

Ethics in Kidney Transplantation

Ethics in kidney transplantation involves addressing complex issues related to fairness, consent, and resource allocation. Key ethical concerns include ensuring equitable access to transplantation, as disparities in socioeconomic status, race, and geography can affect patients' chances of receiving a transplant. The principle of informed consent is paramount, requiring that patients fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before undergoing the procedure. The ethical challenges of post-transplant care and long-term follow-up are explored, emphasizing the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure that transplanted patients receive appropriate support and monitoring. The implications of advancements in technology, such as organ preservation methods and genetic matching, also raise ethical questions about consent and the commercialization of organ donation. Ethical dilemmas arise in the allocation of limited donor kidneys where decisions must balance urgency, potential for success, and quality of life considerations. The practice of living donor transplantation introduces further ethical considerations, such as ensuring that donors are not coerced and are fully informed about the risks involved. Transparency, fairness, and respect for patient autonomy are fundamental in addressing these ethical issues, ensuring that kidney transplantation is conducted with integrity and compassion.