Since the first living-donor kidney transplantation in 1954, more than half a 
million living kidney donations have occurred and research has advanced 
knowledge about long-term donor outcomes. Donors in developed countries have a 
similar life expectancy and quality of life as healthy non-donors. Living kidney 
donation is associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease, 
although this outcome is uncommon (<0·5% increase in incidence at 15 years). 
Kidney donation seems to elevate the risks of gestational hypertension and 
pre-eclampsia. Many donors incur financial expenses due to factors such as lost 
wages, need for sick days, and travel expenses. Yet, most donors have no regrets 
about donation. Living kidney donation is practised ethically when informed 
consent incorporates information about risks, uncertainty about outcomes is 
acknowledged when it exists, and a donor's risks are proportional to benefits 
for the donor and recipient. Future research should determine whether outcomes 
are similar for donors from developing countries and donors with pre-existing 
conditions such as obesity.