More than 100,000 people are on the national waiting list for an organ transplant.
For many of them, asking a loved one for a donation can be a big, but life-saving call. It's a problem of supply and demand, UCSF transplant surgeon Dr. John Roberts told KCBS Radio's "As Prescribed" on Thursday.
"There's just way too many people that need transplants as compared to the number of deceased donors available," he said.
So, people who need a kidney or part of a liver, could consider a living donation – and a spouse or partner might be willing to make the sacrifice.
"You know, three days a week you have to take them to the dialysis unit," Roberts said. "They come home after dialysis, they're exhausted, and then the next day they're back to a pretty good state, but you can see that over time they're deteriorating. It may make not only the recipient's life better, but it might make your life better by getting them a transplant."
But if that's not possible, and the recipient has to turn to someone else – say, a friend – instead. That can be a more difficult conversation.
Dr. Roberts added that having someone else ask on the patient's behalf can be a good approach.
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