Organ Donation
(Public Health)
Through this page, you will find answers to your questions about organ donation.
What is organ donation?
Organ donation is the:process of giving healthy organs and tissues from one person to be transplanted into another person who needs them. Organ donation can save lives or improve the health of many people. Commonly donated organs include the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, and corneas. Donation usually occurs after a person’s death, but some organs can be donated while the donor is still alive. Organ donation depends on the consent of the donor or their family and can contribute to saving many lives.
Why is organ donation important?
- Organ donation provides a second chance at life for people suffering from life-threatening diseases or injuries due to failure of a vital organ, suchas kidneys, heart, and liver save lives, while tissue donations, like corneas and bones, restore important body functions such as vision and mobility.
- Types oforgan donation
- Brain death:Brain death occurs when blood flow or brain activity stops due to a severe injury, resulting in permanent loss of consciousness and inability to breathe independently. This can happen even if a mechanical ventilator maintains a heartbeat andcirculates oxygen. Brain death differs from a coma, as in a coma, brain function may continue and recovery is possible, while in brain death, brain function permanently ceases. Confirmation of brain death requires testing by two independent, qualified physicians.
Cardiac death:This occurs when the heart permanently stops functioning, leading to an irreversible loss of blood circulation. In this case, resuscitation should not, or cannot, be attempted. Circulatory death may also occur when life-support treatment is withdrawn from a patient in the intensive care unit or emergency department in a planned manner. The patient is closely monitored, and organ donation is performed only after complete cessation of circulation. Since organs cannot survive for long without oxygenated blood, the available time for donation in this case is very limited.
Living donation:Some organs or tissues can be donated while the donor is alive, such as one kidney, a portion of the liver, or unused bone tissue from joint replacement procedures.
Organs and tissuesthat can bedonated and transplanted
– Organs that can be donated and transplanted after death include:
Liver: Can be transplanted within 12 to 18 hours after death, although a well-preserved liver may remain viable for a longer period.
Kidneys: Can be transplanted up to 24 hours after death, though shorter durations are preferred to avoid damage.
Pancreas: Usually requires transplantation within 24 hours after death and must be preserved carefully to minimize damage.
Heart: Should be transplanted within 4 to 6 hours after the heart stops beating; beyond this time, the heart may be damaged and unable to function properly.
Lungs: Should be transplanted within 4 to 6 hours after breathing stops or after death; this period also depends on how the organs are preserved.
Intestines: Can be transplanted within 6 to 12 hours.
Other tissues after death:
Corneas.
Heart valves.
Bone marrow.
Bones.
Skin.
Tendons.
Ligaments.
Cartilage.
Blood vessels.
Nerves.
Organs and tissues that can be donated while alive:
One kidney.
Part of the liver.
Fetal tissues (remaining after childbirth).
- Who can donate organs?
Post-mortem donors:
- Almost anyone can donate organs or tissues after death. There is no strict age limit. Even those with diseases affecting some organs may have other healthy parts suitable for donation. Specialists evaluate available organs and tissues at the time of donation.
Living donors:
Living individuals can donate certain organs or tissues that they can part with without affecting their health. Before any donation procedure, healthcare providers assess the health of the organ and the overall health of the donor to ensure their safety during the procedure, as well as to confirm the absence of certain conditions that would prevent donation.
What is the mechanism of organ donation?
1Identifying a qualified donor:
Donors are identified either post-mortem or while alive. After death, donors are selected when death occurs without affecting organ health, such as severe brain injury or sudden cardiac arrest. Organs are preserved with ventilators, and specialists assess eligibility. Living donors may choose to donate certain organs or tissues without affecting their health.
- Obtaining consent:
Many people register as organ donors before death. If registered, the family is notified of the person’s consent. If not registered, the family is consulted. Living donors provide consent before donation.
- Matching donors with recipients:
Donor organs are matched through a computerized process that compares donor data (e.g., blood type, body size) with potential recipients. The closest match is then determined based on medical factors, with priority given according to medical urgency and location.
- Transplant coordination:
Once a match is identified, the transplant center receives electronic notification. The transplant team decides whether to accept the organ and coordinates logistics with the relevant organ procurement organization.
- Organ retrieval:
A specialized surgical team retrieves the organs and tissues, preserves them in special containers, and transports them to the transplant hospital.
- Organ transplantation:
Surgery occurs as soon as possible after organ retrieval. Transplant surgeries are complex and may take several hours. Success depends on speed and proper handling of the donated organ.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the requirements to donate organs while alive?
Be at least 18 years old to provide legal consent.
- Be in good physical health with low surgical risk.
- To be in good mental health, and to have clear and sound motives for donation.
- Be fully informed about the procedure and potential outcomes.
- Donation must be completely voluntary without pressure or financial exchange.
- How long does recovery take after organ transplantation surgery?
Whether you are a living donor or a recipient, full recovery usually takes 2–6 months. Hospital stays may last a few days to two weeks depending on the transplant type. Recovery may require 1–2 months off work and assistance at home. Some discomfort and physical restrictions are expected during recovery despite specialized care.
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