Shortage of cadaver kidneys is an ever-growing problem in Turkey, despite the intensive efforts that have been made toward a solution. Living related donors have become the primary source of kidneys in developing countries. When a first-degree relative of the patient is not available, second-degree relatives or genetically unrelated but emotionally related donors, such as spouses become alternatives. From November 1985 to June 2006, 81 living unrelated kidney transplantation between spouses were performed at our hospital. Seventy one of the donors were female, remaining 10 were male. Mean age of the donors and patients were 33.9±8.5 years, and 38.5±8.8 years respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 93%, 90%, and 83% respectively; corresponding graft survival rates were 83%, 78%, and 76%. Seven patients died in the post-transplant period, the reasons were sepsis in 3, gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 1, cardiac failure and myocardial infarction in 2, and pancreatitis in 1. Three of these patients died with functioning grafts, 7 other grafts were lost due to chronic rejection.
In conclusion, we do not accept living-unrelated donor candidates other than the spouses for prohibiting an underground organ trade in our transplant center. Inter-spouse kidney transplantation is an important option with good clinical results. It not only provides the couple with better quality of life, also enables them to share the joy of giving and receiving the