Organ Donation by Living Donor: Which organs can be donated while alive?

If an ill person gets an organ donation, the effect of the donor’s contribution will continue to benefit the recipient for the rest of his or her life. According to statistics, a new name is added to the list of people awaiting an organ transplant in the world every ten minutes. The list includes newborns, toddlers, teenagers, parents, and grandparents who all need an extraordinary gift to survive. And unfortunately, twenty or more individuals die each day without obtaining a lifesaving transplant. So, the need for a living organ donor is gradually rising. The good news is, with modern medical science, a person can easily donate one of his or her six organs.

The Organs That Can Be Donated by A Living Donor

A live donor’s organs or tissues are transferred to a recipient’s body. Organ and tissue donation can create the difference between life and death for patients waiting for transplants. By donating organs, one living donor may save up to six lives. The intestines, kidneys, segments of the liver, part of the lungs, uterus, and pancreas are among the organs that may be given.

Kidneys

The kidneys are the most often transplanted organ. The kidneys are in charge of filtering waste and excess water from the blood and maintaining the proper balance of the body’s fluids. Individuals who are on dialysis owing to excessive blood pressure, diabetes, or cystic kidney disease may qualify for a kidney transplant.

Parts of a Liver

The liver is responsible for about 500 recognized processes in the human body, including the production of bile, which assists in digestion, the breakdown of toxic compounds in the blood, and the storage of vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats. Due to the extensive array of activities performed by the liver, donating one may help patients avoid chronic liver illnesses such as hepatitis or damage caused by drugs or alcohol.

A given liver may sometimes be shared between two recipients, which implies that a single donor might possibly save two lives. However, a living donor can’t donate a full liver. But in special cases, a few segments of a liver can be transferable while being alive.

Parts of a Lung

The lungs perform a critical job in the body. They absorb oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and pulmonary edema are among the conditions that often necessitate a lung transplant. As with the liver, a single living donor may contribute just a few segments of his or her lung.

Parts of a Pancreas

Individuals need their pancreas to assist with insulin regulation. The pancreas generates insulin, a hormone that aids the body in using glucose (sugar) for energy, as well as enzymes that aid in the digestion of fat, protein, and carbs. A few parts of the pancreas can be transplanted from a living donor.

Parts of Intestine

Your intestines are responsible for the digestion and re-absorption of nutrients into circulation. If your intestines are twisted or clogged, or if you have a short-gut syndrome, you may need a complete or partial intestinal transplant.

Others Organs and Tissues

Additionally, some tissues such as skin, bone, bone marrow, and blood may be given by a live donor. Over time, a healthy individual may naturally replenish these tissues.

Process of a Living Donation

For organ donation, the live donor must be in excellent health and the age limit must be between 18 to 60 years. Intensive care is given to ensure that the donation does not cause any detrimental physical, psychological, or emotional effects. Before starting the medical process, the donor is evaluated by the transplant facility to establish his or her emotional fitness, physical health, and compatibility.

Making a choice to be a live donor should be taken very seriously. Donating an organ or tissue is a risky surgical operation. Ensure that you discuss the operation with the surgeon to ensure that your expectations are reasonable. While the donor’s medical expenditures are covered by the recipient’s insurance, there may be some financial implications associated with time off work during recuperation.

In most cases, live donors are family members or close acquaintances of the recipients. However, some brave heart individuals may respond to a request for assistance from someone they do not know but desire to assist.

Why is Organ Donation Noble?

According to experts, a single donor’s organs may save or assist up to 50 individuals. The majority of donations occur after a donor’s death. However, some organs and tissues may be given while the donor is still alive without causing the donor any damage. Organ donors might be of any age or background.

Organ donation is purely a charitable gesture. It is considered as a noble activity in almost every society and country. Donating an organ fosters a noble and humanitarian attitude in society. This indicates a desire to continue serving others beyond one’s death. Organs should be donated with the kind intentions of saving lives of other humans.

Why People Should Consider Organ Donation

A new name is added to the waiting list every nine minutes. Organ and tissue donation provides patients awaiting transplantation hope and life. Simply put, enrolling in organ donation is a lifesaving gift.

As a living donor, you may not witness the direct result of organ donation, but it will be felt and experienced by the recipient on his or her every breath. Thus, you may leave a legacy of love and healing as an organ and tissue donor.

Bottom Line

An opportunity to breathe, see, or walk once again can rejuvinate a person who might have the least hope for living. Organ transplantations can enable the recipients to reclaim their most precious moments on earth through the rest of their lives. By registering as a living organ or tissue donor, you may give a person hope for a new life.

Source: United News of Bangladesh