How Much Is a Kidney Worth? Is It Safe To Live With Only 1 of These Organs?

The kidney is one of the most essential organs in our body. Fortunately, we have two, and some family members or friends donate one to their dear loved ones who need it. Others even sell one of their kidneys due to necessity. But how much does a kidney cost?

How Much Is A Kidney Worth?

There are numerous organs for which there is a backup or without which one may conceivably survive. Most people can live long without a kidney, a section of their liver, a lung, an intestines, or an eye.

However, because the procedure to donate a lung, a portion of a liver, or a chunk of intestines is so difficult, it is not routinely done on the black market. Additionally, no one will profit significantly from an eyeball.

Sean Fitzpatrick, director of public affairs at the New England Organ Bank, claims that corneas donated from deceased donors are available in the United States in a somewhat consistent supply. There's no market demand for eyes. However, giving away a kidney is a reasonably straightforward procedure that has made many desperate for cash to sell one of their kidneys.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), the kidney is around $20,000 in India. However, it is worth $40,000 or more in China. Meanwhile, it is pricer in Israel, with a good and healthy kidney selling for up to $160,000, according to Medical Travel Quality Alliance.

However, the aforementioned prices do not go for organ donors. Sally Satel, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, who studies the prices paid for legal and illegal organ-donor operations, said that the donor only received a fraction of the kidney's price, per Popular Science.

When the organ is sold in the black market, the broker takes a commission plus the cost he pays for travel, medical supplies, surgery, and procedure. So, a kidney donor may be left with $1,000 to $10,000.

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Is Living With One Kidney Safe?

Many people live healthy lives with one kidney. However, they must keep themselves in condition and protect their only kidney.

According to National Kidney Foundation, there are three possible reasons people live with one kidney. One, a person was born with only one kidney. This condition is called renal agenesis. It's also possible that the person suffers from kidney dysplasia, where they were born with two kidneys but only one works.

Second, the person's kidney may have been removed to treat an injury or disease like cancer. Third, the person may have donated or sold the kidney to someone who needed a transplant.

However, there is a chance that the remaining kidney will slightly lose its function later in life, and the person may suffer from high blood pressure. Thus, those with only one working kidney should have a yearly check-up to see the organ's function.

Individuals with a single kidney can still participate in sports. However, they should wear protective gear and padded vests under clothing to keep the organ safe from potential injuries.

Those who donate kidneys do not notice any difference in their lifestyle. People with only one kidney enjoy healthy living with few problems. One healthy kidney works to keep you alive.