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Robotic kidney transplant gives brother new life
Advanced robotic surgery at Ochsner Health helps a living donor and recipient quickly return to full, healthy lives.
NEW ORLEANS - This Donate Life Month, the story of Mark B. reminds us that the greatest gift of life often comes from someone you love.
When Mark’s kidney function began to decline, he and his care team at Ochsner Health took a proactive approach. Instead of waiting until dialysis became necessary, Mark received a living donor kidney transplant from his sister, Becky, on Dec. 17, 2025.
The advanced procedure was performed robotically by Dennis Sonnier, MD, an abdominal transplant surgeon, and Terrance Wickman, MD, a transplant nephrologist. As the nationally recognized, #1 hospital in Louisiana, Ochsner Health offers expert management of health through innovative treatments like robotic surgery.
Mark was one of the early patients to receive this minimally invasive procedure, which requires only a few small incisions. Because of this advanced approach, he was able to return home to begin his recovery within 36 hours of surgery.
Before the transplant, Mark’s care team carefully monitored his health and guided him through the process. The attention and clear communication from his physicians gave him confidence during a challenging time.
“I would just like to say that the doctors at Ochsner, especially Dr. Dennis Sonnier and Dr. Terrance Wickman, have been nothing short of amazing,” Mark shared. “I am so appreciative of their attention to detail and care.”
Just three months after surgery, Mark’s kidney function has increased, and he has returned to a full work schedule with no physical limitations. He even bowls in two leagues a week.
Mark hopes his story encourages others to think about becoming living donors. His sister, Becky, donated her kidney and has fully recovered.
“I think people should know that Becky is living a normal life post-transplant,” Mark said. “People are probably not aware that you can live a normal life with just one kidney.”
As cancer survivors, Mark and his wife, Cherie, say this journey has deepened their gratitude for life and their expert medical team. Above all, Mark’s experience shows that one person’s decision can truly change a life.
To learn more about the Living Organ Donor Program and how to become a living donor, visit Save 9 | Ochsner Health.
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner is nationally recognized for inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through expertise, quality and digital connectivity. In 2025, more than 40,000 dedicated team members and 5,000 employed and affiliated physicians at Ochsner cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 65 countries. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org.