*Purpose: To evaluate perceived knowledge about surgery in potential living kidney donors embarking on the donation process.

*Methods: Potential living kidney donors were surveyed about their level of familiarity with donor surgery. Candidates used the BREEZE TRANSPLANT^TM program which allows submission of basic information to help determine potential candidacy for donation. 75 applications were reviewed. 55 applications were considered complete and were evaluated. The survey included questions about knowledge of robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or kidney paired donation (KPD). Response options about KPD included: None, general idea or has learned about KPD. Response options regarding surgery were: Not familiar, somewhat familiar or very familiar. Those who answered somewhat familiar or very familiar were grouped together as being knowledgeable about surgery. Free hand answers were also accepted.

*Results:  Of the 55 patients surveyed, 16 (29%) reported they were knowledgeable about surgical options: 10 (18%) reported being knowledgeable about both robotic and laparoscopic surgery, 4 (7%) reported they were only knowledgeable about laparoscopic surgery, and 2 (4%) reported they were only knowledgeable about robotic surgery.

There were no significant differences between a patient’s perceived knowledge of robotic surgery and their age, educational level, referral sources (tx candidate or friend/family of candidate compared to all others), knowledge of KPD or median income. Those who reported some level of knowledge of laparoscopic surgery (vs no knowledge) were also more likely to report some knowledge of robotic surgery(p<0.001). Those who reported they were highly motivated (vs unsure or interested but wanted more information) were significantly more likely to report some knowledge of robotic surgery (p<0.024).

There were no significant differences between a patient’s knowledge of laparoscopic surgery and motivation, education level, referral source, and KPD knowledge.

Of the 12 patients (22%) who attempted to free text their knowledge of robotic and laparoscopic surgery, 6 patients (10%) indicated they had some knowledge of both laparoscopic and robotic surgery, 5 patients (9%) stated they had no knowledge and 1 patient (2%) felt knowledgeable about only laparoscopic surgery

*Conclusions: Highly motivated donors reported being more knowledgeable about robotic surgery prior to starting the living kidney donation process. It may be the case that highly motivated donors are self-selecting to centers that offer robotic surgery. Or being highly motivated, the donors have already begun seeking education.

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