Organ Transplantation
This topic will help you learn about organ transplantation.
What is organ transplantation?
Organ transplantation: the transfer (implantation) of cells, tissues, or human organs from a donor to a recipient in order to restore body functions. When the transplantation is performed between different species.
- Organ transplantation is performed when a vital organ stops functioning permanently, such as:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Heart
- Lungs
- Pancreas
And some tissues, such as the cornea, skin, and bone marrow.
- What are the types of organ transplantation?
- Transplantation from a deceased donor: organs from people declared brain-dead are used (such as the heart and lungs).
- Transplantation from a living donor: a person donates an organ or part ofAutotransplantation)an organ (such as a kidney or a portion of the liver).
Autotransplantation is transferring tissue from one part of the body to another in the same person (such as skin transplantation).
What are the conditions that require organ transplantation?
- Conditions that require organ transplantation:
Heart failure: - When the heart cannot perform its vital functions adequately despite using medications or supportive devices, heart transplantation may be the last option to save a life.
Type 1 diabetes with severe complications: - In some severe cases, where blood sugar levels are difficult to control and complications such as pancreatic failure occur, a pancreas transplant or a combined transplant (kidney and pancreas) may be performed.
Chronic kidney failure:
- When one or both kidneys permanently stop functioning. The main causes include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic high blood pressure
Lung transplantation:
- It is performed in cases of advanced lung diseases such as:
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosisCOPD).
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
Intestinal transplantation:
- They are necessary in rare cases, such as:
- Severe congenital defects in the intestines
Loss of a large part of the intestines due to major surgeries or chronic diseases, leading to “short bowel syndrome” and insufficient nutrient absorption
- What are the complications of organ donation and transplantation surgery?
- Rejection of the transplanted organ: the immune system attacks the new organ (acute or chronic).
- Infection: as a result of immunosuppressive medications.
- Surgical complications, such as bleeding, clots, or damage to adjacent organs.
- Long-term damage: from immunosuppressive drugs (such as diabetes and osteoporosis).
Ethical issues, such as organ trafficking or unfair distribution.
What steps should be followed to maintain the health of the transplanted organ?
- To maintain the health of the transplanted organ and extend its lifespan, it is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Avoid smoking.
- Get adequate physical activity.
- Consult your doctor regarding screening tests and symptoms to watch out for.
Protect your skin from the sun.
- When Should Specialists Be Consulted?
- There is advanced or untreatable organ failure (such as the liver, kidneys, or heart).
- Repeated hospitalization occurs due to complications of the organ disease.
- Quality of life declines related to the deterioration of organ function.
Laboratory or clinical indicators appear to suggest that the need for transplantation is approaching.
- How do you prepare for an organ transplant?
- Medical Examinations: Conducting comprehensive tests and ensuring readiness for the operation.
- Disease Control: Treating any existing health issues, such as infection or high blood pressure.
- Waiting: Registering on the waiting list and monitoring the condition with the doctor.
- Immediate Readiness: Prepare a bag containing your essential items and documents for emergencies.
Post-Operative Follow-up: Taking medications regularly and attending follow-up appointments.
What are the most common misconceptions about organ donation?
Misconception:
I am not the right age to donate organs.
Fact:
In the case of organ donation after death, donation is possible at various ages, including the elderly. Age is not the decisive factor; instead, each organ is evaluated individually to ensure its suitability for transplantation, regardless of the donor’s age.
- In the case of living donation, the following conditions must be met:
- The donor must be at least 18 years old.
- The donor must be mentally and physically healthy.
- The donation must not cause harm to the donor or the recipient.
- There must be documented written consent from the donor.
There must be blood type compatibility.
Misconception:
Organ donation leads to the disfigurement of the deceased’s body.
Fact:
Donated organs are removed through a surgical procedure following medical ethics, and organ donation does not disfigure the body of the deceased.
Misconception:
A person diagnosed with brain death may return to life again.
Fact:
This is incorrect. Brain death is the medical definition of death, and there is no recorded case of someone diagnosed with brain death returning to life.
Misconception:
The only organs that can be transplanted are the heart and the liver.
Fact:
The organs that can be transplanted include: the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, and intestines. Tissues such as the cornea, heart valves, skin, bones, and tendons can also be transplanted.
Frequently asked questions about organ transplantation:
- Who can donate organs, and how?
Donation after death: - Anyone can donate their organs after death, regardless of age. The main factor is the health of the organs at the time of death, as the medical team evaluates the organs and tissues to ensure their suitability for transplantation.
Living donation:
Healthy individuals can donate some organs or tissues while alive, such as a kidney or part of the liver. This is done after thorough medical tests to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient, and to confirm that the donation will not negatively affect the donor’s long-term health.
- Conditions for living donation:
- The donor must be in good health and free from serious chronic diseases.
- The donor must be of a suitable age, usually between 18 and 60 years.
- There must be medical compatibility between the donor and the recipient (blood type and tissue matching).
- The donor must pass the necessary medical tests.
- The organ must be suitable for donation, with the donor able to live without it or with part of it.
How are Organs Transported?
- Organs are usually transported to the recipient using an ambulance or through specialized medical transport companies, especially if the distance is short. Organs are stored under precise conditions to maintain their viability. For example, a kidney can be preserved for up to 36 hours before the transplantation procedure is performed.
- What is the expected transplantation time after organ removal?
- Heart: 4 to 6 hours
- Lungs: 4 to 6 hours
- Liver: 8 to 12 hours
