Living Kidney Transplant Specialist
Southland Renal Medical Group
Nephrologists located in the Greater Long Beach and Orange County, CA Area
When chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to kidney failure, you have two treatment options: dialysis or a kidney transplant. A living kidney transplant gives you the chance to get your new kidney quickly from a friend or relative who’s willing to donate. The doctors at Southland Renal Medical Group are experts in performing living kidney transplants. They’re available to guide you and your donor through every step of the process at their kidney treatment centers in Long Beach, Downey, Fountain Valley, and Los Alamitos, California. For more information about living kidney transplants, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.
Living Kidney Transplant Q & A
What is a living kidney transplant?
When chronic kidney disease causes such extensive damage that your kidneys can’t filter toxic wastes from your blood, you’ll need dialysis to take the place of your kidneys, or you need a kidney transplant.
Patients who decide to get a transplant may receive their new, healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. A living donor is usually someone you know who’s blood type is compatible, like a family member, friend, or your partner.
What are the benefits of a living kidney transplant?
There are three key benefits to seeking a living kidney transplant:
Less waiting time
If you can find a living donor, you won’t have to go on a waiting list for a deceased donor. When a friend or family member donates a kidney, you can undergo your transplantation surgery as soon as they’re medically cleared.
In some cases, you can receive a kidney quickly from an anonymous donor — if that donor specifically names you as the recipient. If you don’t have a living donor, your name goes on a waiting list to receive a kidney from a deceased donor and you may wait years before a kidney is available.
Longer-lasting results
On average, a living kidney transplant lasts 15-20 years, which is about twice as long as kidneys from a deceased donor. However, the lifespan of your transplanted kidney depends on many factors, including how well you follow diet recommendations, manage your overall health, and take the required medications following a transplant.
Lower risk of rejection
If your living donor is a family member, your shared genetics may lower the risk of rejection.
What should I expect at a kidney transplant evaluation?
The doctors at Southland Renal Medical Group talk with you and your kidney donor about the surgery, answer all your questions, and then perform a thorough physical examination and blood testing. Before either of you is cleared for surgery, your doctor must verify you’re both healthy and that your blood types are compatible.
What happens during kidney transplant surgery?
During surgery, the experienced team at Southland Renal Medical Group removes one kidney from your donor, then places it in your lower abdomen, often leaving your kidneys in place. After attaching the blood vessels and connecting the ureter of your new kidney to your bladder, your surgery is finished.
You’ll stay in the hospital for up to a week for close observation. You’ll also need to take medications to prevent your body from rejecting the kidney.
If you have questions about a living kidney transplant, call Southland Renal Medical Group or schedule an appointment online today.