Transplant services
When an organ is compromised by trauma or begins to fail, a transplant may be the most suitable treatment. Transplants involve removing a healthy organ from a donor to replace a diseased organ in a recipient, or include transplanting blood or bone marrow.
Transplant services in Richmond, Virginia
We foster the well-being of our kidney transplant patients.
Needing a kidney transplant can seem daunting, but at Henrico Doctors' Hospital, we're here to make your treatment as seamless as possible. Whether you're in need of a transplant or are a living donor, we design and personalize your treatment to fit your case with care.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Transplant services we offer
If you are experiencing kidney disease or renal failure, we are here for you.
Transplant evaluation
The first step in the transplant process is to undergo an evaluation. During this part of the process, our doctors are here to really get to know you and understand everything they can about your condition and any related conditions.
You will meet with a team of specialists who will collect information about your unique situation, including your:
- Condition and the health of the organ being affected
- Overall physical health
- Mental health
- And any additional information that may be relevant to your treatment
Once our team has met and reviewed all aspects of your case, they will make a recommendation on whether or not you are eligible for a transplant.
Your transplant team and surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery with you during your evaluation and are available to answer any questions you may have.
Finding a donor
The next step in the transplant process is to find a donor with an organ compatible with you. This is something your transplant team will discuss with you.
There are two main avenues for finding a donor — deceased donors and living donors.
Deceased donor transplant
Donating a deceased individual's healthy organ(s) allows recipients to continue living long and full lives. Many of our transplant donations are made by the families of deceased individuals who believe in "giving back."
Living donor transplant
In some cases, receiving an organ from a living donor is possible. Receiving a living donor organ transplant is usually preferable to a deceased donor transplant. This is because living donor organs function longer in the body and provide better patient survival rates than deceased donor organs. This will also eliminate your need to stay on the waitlist for a deceased donor.
Living donor transplants are usually possible with organs such as the kidney, where a patient can offer to donate one of their own organs. Sometimes, partial donations from a living donor are also possible.
Transplant surgery
Doctors may recommend a patient for a kidney transplant when the kidneys are no longer functioning properly. This can be due to long-term or acute kidney failure.
Transplant recovery and lifestyle changes
After your transplant surgery, you will meet regularly with your doctors and transplant team to monitor the progress of the transplant. Additionally, your doctors will create and discuss your individualized postoperative care plan, which may include lifestyle changes to prevent any damage to the new organ.
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