Dr. Oriol Bestard Matamoros is a nephrologist associated with Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. His professional work includes kidney disease management and renal transplantation, including the specialist assessment and follow-up of patients undergoing kidney transplant care.

Vall d’Hebron’s professional and educational materials identify Dr. Bestard as Head of the Nephrology Service and a specialist involved in kidney transplantation.

Specialization in Nephrology

Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases. The kidneys regulate fluid balance, electrolytes, blood pressure, and the removal of waste products from the body.

Nephrologists evaluate conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, glomerular disorders, electrolyte disturbances, and complications associated with reduced kidney function.

The evaluation may involve blood and urine testing, imaging, medication review, and, in selected cases, kidney biopsy. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and the severity of kidney impairment.

Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is a treatment option for selected patients with advanced kidney failure. It involves a detailed assessment of the recipient, potential donor compatibility, medical risks, and suitability for surgery and long-term immunosuppressive treatment.

The transplant process typically involves nephrologists, transplant surgeons, immunologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other specialists.

Before transplantation, patients may undergo blood group testing, tissue compatibility testing, infection screening, cardiovascular assessment, and other investigations based on their medical history.

Not every patient with kidney failure is eligible for transplantation. The decision is made after a comprehensive assessment of medical and surgical suitability.

Transplant Immunology and Follow-Up

After transplantation, patients require ongoing medical monitoring. Immunosuppressive medicines are commonly used to reduce the risk of rejection, but they also require careful monitoring for adverse effects and infections.

Follow-up may include kidney function testing, drug-level monitoring, assessment of blood pressure, and screening for transplant-related complications.

Transplant immunology helps clinicians understand immune responses and compatibility between donor and recipient. This information supports transplant evaluation and ongoing clinical management.

Multidisciplinary Kidney Care

Patients with complex kidney disease may require coordinated care involving nephrology, transplantation, urology, radiology, pathology, and other medical services.

Treatment planning considers kidney function, associated conditions, medication requirements, and the patient's overall health.

For patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, treatment discussions may include medical management, dialysis, and assessment for transplantation when appropriate.

International Patient Information

Patients considering a kidney transplant consultation in Barcelona should bring recent kidney function tests, urine reports, dialysis records if applicable, imaging results, medication lists, and previous transplant or biopsy records.

Patients who have already undergone transplantation should also provide information about the donor, transplant date, immunosuppressive medicines, and any previous rejection or infection episodes.

A transplant consultation can help establish whether further evaluation is appropriate. Eligibility and treatment options require individualized assessment by the transplant team.