The dramatic shortage of cadaver kidneys and the increasing waiting time on the cadaver transplant list make living donation more important then ever. Knowledge of the long-term results of living donation is crucial; potential donors must be fully informed when deciding whether to accept the risks. Our review shows that donors have excellent long-term function of the remaining kidney and do not have an increased risk for hypertension. The vast majority of donors enjoy excellent health and quality of life. In addition, donation has a positive effect on family relationships as well as on the relationship with the recipient. Finally, most donors state that, if it were possible, they would donate again.