Facts on Organ Transplants
Sometimes a transplant is needed when a vital organ is damaged or not working properly. It is an important decision a patient needs to make to better his health, though there are often risks involved. Many times a family member or matching donor needs to be found to go through with the transplant. There are often waiting lists for these procedures, especially when matches need to be found.
Facts
Some 80,000 people are on waiting lists in the United States for organ transplants, and the list grows by 3,000 more each month. Priority for organ transplants is determined by medical urgency and availability of matching donors, not by factors such as sex, race or religion. Matches for recipients and donors are made through a computerized system called National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which is run by the United Network for Organ Sharing, with their headquarters being in Virginia.
Paperwork
Before the transplant takes place, you will need to fill out routine health questionnaires and consent forms that explain patient rights, risks involved and other important information. The donor will also need to fill out a consent form agreeing to be the donor and the risks involved for her as well.
Recovery
Depending on the organ transplanted, recovery is expected to take between six weeks and a year. You will be given Immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. If a person receives a liver transplant, he will need to take the Immunosuppressants for the rest of his life. An organ transplant is considered a success after one year. There is always a chance the organ will need to be re-transplanted though, especially if the person is quite young.
Outcome
Organ transplants have a chance that they might fail, though the success rates vary by organ. The success of the transplant depends on the recipient's immune system, healing process and overall health. It also depends on the circulation of the organ attached to the vessels so it can thrive and function as part of its new system. The overall success rate for a one organ transplant is about 80 percent or higher. The most successfully transplanted organ is the kidneys with a success rate of 80 to 90 percent, while the lungs have the highest rejection rate of all of the organs with a success rate of 45 to 53 percent.
Rejection does happen sometimes, especially in older people, people with multiple medical problems and people who have had multiple organ transplants. Rejection happens far less with the advanced medical technology today and medications are given that reduce the chance of rejection.
Maintenance
To keep your transplanted organ in good health, eat a balanced diet, do not abuse drugs and take any required medications. Follow any instructions your heath care provider gives you in regard to the organ transplant and maintaining healthy function of the organ.
