Where is a donor kidney usually placed during surgery?

A donor kidney is typically placed in the iliac fossa during surgery. The iliac fossa is a region in the lower abdomen, where the iliac bones are located, making it an ideal site for kidney transplantation. This anatomical location allows for the new kidney to be sutured into position and its blood vessels to be connected to the recipient’s nephric vessels efficiently.

Placing the kidney in the iliac fossa also minimizes the risk of complications and allows for better access to the surgical area, facilitating the connection of the ureter to the bladder. This region's proximity to large blood vessels, such as the external iliac artery and vein, means that surgeons can effectively connect the kidney to the recipient's vascular system.

While the other locations mentioned are anatomically significant, they are not conventional sites for placing a donor kidney during surgery. The abdominal cavity is too general and does not provide the specific benefits offered by the iliac fossa. The suprapubic region is not typically utilized for kidney transplantation. Similarly, the thoracic cavity is not an appropriate location for a kidney, as it houses the heart and lungs, making it unsuitable for the placement of an abdominal organ like the kidney. This highlights the importance of the iliac f