Organ Transplantation is one of the most effective treatment options for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure. It offers them a new lease on life, especially when compared to long-term alternatives like dialysis, which can be physically taxing and limiting. The procedure can involve either a living donor or a donation from a brain-dead individual.
Who can Donate?
Anyone between the ages of 18 to 80 years can potentially donate organs and tissues. Living donors can contribute organs like a kidney or a portion of the liver, while deceased donors (particularly those who are brain dead) can donate multiple organs and tissues, significantly benefiting several individuals in need. Organ donation, particularly from brain-dead individuals, is coordinated through government agencies like Jeevasarthakathe, ensuring an ethical and transparent process.
Organs and tissues that can be donated:
Some several organs and tissues can be donated to save or improve lives:
Kidneys: A living donor can donate one kidney while both kidneys can be donated by a deceased individual. Kidney transplants provide a critical solution for those suffering from end-stage renal disease.
Liver: The liver can regenerate, so a portion of it can be donated by a living donor. Deceased donors can donate the entire liver, providing life-saving transplants to patients with liver failure.
Heart: Heart transplants are often the only hope for patients with severe heart disease. This is a deceased donation.
Lungs: Both lungs or a single lung can be donated after death, offering relief to patients with end-stage lung disease.
Pancreas and Intestines: These organs are typically donated after death and can assist patients with severe pancreatic or intestinal disease.
Tissue donation is also crucial. Corneas can restore sight to the blind, while skin helps burn victims and those requiring reconstructive surgery. Other tissues like heart valves, bones, and tendons are essential in various surgical procedures and treatments.
The Shortage of Donors
Despite the life-saving potential of organ donation, there remains an acute shortage of donors. Thousands of patients are on waiting lists for organs and many die before a suitable match is found. This shortage makes it crucial for more individuals to come forward and pledge to donate their organs and tissues, either as living donors or through their families after death. Each donor has the potential to save or improve several lives.
Organ Distribution in India
In India, the allocation of organs is overseen by two primary bodies:
1. NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization): NOTTO is responsible for managing the organ distribution process across India. It maintains the national waiting list for transplants, ensuring that organs are distributed based on medical priority and availability.
2. SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization): Each state has its own SOTTO, which ensures that organs are fairly distributed within the state. SOTTO coordinated with hospitals, organ retrieval organizations and transplant centers to facilitate the process.
These organizations ensure that organs are distributed transparently, fairly and efficiently, maximizing the benefit for patients across the country.
By Prof Dr Sushanth Kumar B, Consultant Nephrologist & Aruna Mallya, Executive, Senior Dietitian, Transplant Coordinator, KMC Hospital Mangaluru.