Living donation is “a gift of extraordinary value”. The use of living donors for renal transplantation was critical for the early development of the field and preceded the use of cadaveric donors. Most donors are related genetically to the recipient, but there are an increasing percentage of cases, where donors are genetically unrelated like spouses, friends, or other emotionally related individuals. Ethical guidelines mandate that the living donors should not be coerced without any evidence of financial profit for the donor. Living donation has been associated with a higher success rate than that seen with cadaveric donation.

Conclusion: In view of higher demand for transplantation and the lack of a parallel increase in the number of available cadaveric organs, living donation is important solution for patients to avoid long times on waiting list, and occasionally, even the need of dialysis so, much efforts are needed to encourage living donation rates.