Organ donation is a gift of life in which healthy organs and tissues are surgically removed from a donor and transplanted into a person whose own organs have failed or are severely damaged due to illness or injury.
There are two main sources of organ donation: A cadaveric (deceased) donor, whose organs are donated after death with the wish of the donor (if pledged during life) and consent of their family, A Living donor, who voluntarily donates an organ or a part of it, such as a kidney or a portion of the liver, while still alive.
Organ transplants offer a second chance at life for people suffering from end- stage organ failure. A single cadaveric donor has the potential to save up to eight lives through organ donation.
There has been remarkable progress in transplant technology, and the success rate is very high. In India, given the population, the demand for organs far exceeds the supply. As per NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation), more than 5 lakh Indians require an organ transplant every year, but only a fraction receive one due to the lack of donors.
Living donors are carefully evaluated to ensure they are physically and mentally healthy and have given informed consent. The organs are taken only if there is an identified matching recipient.
Organ donation in India is regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOTA), which covers both the process and regulations for deceased and living donors. The regulations are very tight to prevent any malpractices/forced donations.
Only authorised hospitals can perform transplants. Commercial trading of organs is strictly prohibited, and both donor and recipient undergo legal and medical screening.
For donors and their families, knowing that their gift has saved lives can bring comfort and help overcome grief. Recipients may feel gratitude, relief or even guilt. Support groups, counselling, hand-holding and open communication with healthcare teams are essential for coping with these emotions.
They have now become a routine life-saving treatment. Due to advancements in technology, better immunosuppression, which reduces the organ rejection rate, better organ preservation, precise surgical procedure, better matching of tissues, etc, the success rates are extremely high. The success rates are in the 95% range, depending on age and patient conditions. Recipients live for many years, even decades.
For the transplant donor/recipient matching is done for blood type, tissue type (HLA compatibility), organ size, recipient's health condition, geographic location and urgency. Compatibility testing helps ensure transplant success and lowers rejection risk. If there is no suitable recipient or if the organs/tissues do not match, the donation may not proceed for transplantation.
Organs must be transplanted quickly after removal:
Advanced preservation techniques, like machine perfusion, have improved organ viability and outcomes.
Living organ donation is a life-saving opportunity, but like any major medical procedure, it involves risks for both the donor and the recipient. Common risks for both:
However, thorough pre-donation evaluation, supportive care and post-donation follow-up reduce most risks. Both donors and recipients often report successful outcomes, emotional fulfilment and a renewed appreciation for life.
Registering as a donor takes just a few minutes, but can give someone a lifetime. Talk to your family. Make your decision count. It is heartening to know that your organ saved lives – an amazing gift of life. For more information or to register as an organ donor, visit the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) website.