Do I need to have a dialysis fistula placed even if I have a live donor?
This is a difficult question to answer.
Each case is different. If you still have kidneys that are working fairly well (estimated Glomerular filtration rate of over 15 ml/min) and have a live donor who has been approved for donation (after undergoing a series of tests and exams at the Transplant Center), then it is possible for you to avoid getting an access placed.
However, some people come to the Transplant Center with very poor kidney function, possible live donors who have not fully committed to donation or are unable to complete their exams and interviews in a timely manner, or some other delay.
In this case, getting a transplant access placed may be the safest thing to do, in order to avoid getting dangerously ill from kidney failure and having to start dialysis on an emergency basis. This decision needs to be coordinated with you, your regular kidney doctor and the transplant team.
As with everything in transplantation, the more informed you are and the more involved you are with the decisions made on your behalf, the better you will do and the happier you will feel with your healthcare decisions.