Preparing for Kidney Donor Surgery: What to Expect and Pack

Any surgery can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. To help you prepare for your kidney donation surgery, we have compiled this list of helpful tips from donors who have been through the process.

While every transplant center and surgery experience is unique, this guide covers helpful suggestions for packing, requesting support at the hospital, and knowing what to expect once you’re home to help the entire process go more smoothly.

What to Pack for the Hospital

Your transplant center will provide basic supplies, so check with your coordinator to avoid bringing unnecessary items. Most importantly, leave valuables at home. The following are small comforts that can make a big difference during your stay:

• Lip Balm: Your mouth will be open and slightly stretched during surgery, which can lead to dry lips.
• Hard Candy: The dry hospital air can leave your mouth parched. Sucking on candy can help rehydrate and kick-start digestion. Ginger hard candy is especially helpful if you’re prone to nausea.
• Soft, Loose-Fitting Clothes: Look for items with a drawstring waist—you’ll want to avoid zippers for a while.
• Slip-On Shoes: Post-op, bending to tie shoes isn’t ideal.
• Long Phone Charger Cord: Hospital beds aren’t always near outlets, so a longer cord keeps you connected.
• Small Pillow: Some centers provide a kidney-shaped pillow—perfect for supporting your abdomen when walking or riding home in the car. If yours doesn’t, bring your own soft pillow to help with comfort and incision protection during the car ride.

What to Request at the Hospital

While each center operates a little differently, here are some items and practices you might want to ask about. These have helped many donors recover more comfortably and avoid common post-surgical issues:

• Spirometer: Most hospitals will provide this to help you take deep breaths and prevent pneumonia. Use it as directed.
• Walk Early and Often: Movement supports recovery. Many donors are up and walking as early as the evening of surgery—even with a catheter in place.
• Shoulder Rolls: Post-op shoulder pain is common and can sometimes be relieved with deep shoulder rolls.
• Heating Pad: Some donors find that a heating pad eases gas pain and abdominal discomfort.
• Abdominal Binder: Ask your nurse if one is available—it can offer extra support when moving around.
• Pain Medication: Some hospitals remove IV pain medication soon after surgery to transition donors to oral pain meds. Since you’ll be groggy, make sure your caretaker monitors this closely. When the IV pain meds are discontinued, they should request oral medication right away because it can take up to an hour for the meds to arrive and take effect. Acting promptly helps ensure continuous pain relief and prevents uncomfortable gaps in coverage.
• Back Massage: The donor’s position during surgery can sometimes cause back muscles to spasm afterward. If this occurs, ask for a physical therapist to visit your room and massage the back muscles that are spasming. If a physical therapist is not available, request assistance from your attending nurse.

What to Expect at Home

Your first few days at home may be challenging as your body heals. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Sleeping: Some donors find they can only sleep a few hours at a time after surgery. If this happens, take naps during the day to make up for shorter nights—your nighttime sleep will usually improve over time. Since lying flat can be uncomfortable at first, many donors prefer sleeping in a reclining chair or using a firm wedge pillow for the first few nights.
• Getting Out of Bed: Try rolling onto your side and using your arms to push yourself up—it’s easier on your core.
• Back Massage: To prevent or relieve back muscle spasms after surgery, consider scheduling a physical therapist or massage therapist soon after you return from the hospital. It may take up to three sessions to fully resolve the discomfort.

• Accept Help: If friends or family offer meals, rides, or gift cards, say yes! Even small gestures make a big difference during recovery.
• Eat Light: You may not feel up to full meals right away. Keep high-protein, high-fiber snacks on hand.
• Stay in Touch: If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your transplant team. That’s what they’re there for.

Every donor’s experience is unique, but preparation can go a long way in making your hospital stay and recovery more comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lean on your support system, and trust your care team to offer advice and guidance.