ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION

Our Organ Transplantation department provides services for kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants in both highly skilled adult and pediatric patients, supported by advanced technology and an experienced team.

Successful live/donor kidney transplants, live/donor liver transplants, and deceased/donor pancreas transplants are performed for all age groups.

Our centers are staffed with experienced organ transplant surgeons, adult and pediatric nephrology specialists, adult and pediatric gastroenterology specialists, and organ transplant coordinators. Additionally, post-operative care is provided in separate intensive care units for adult and pediatric patients when needed.

Advanced procedures such as EUS, ERCP in the Gastroenterology Clinic and interventional procedures in the Radiology Clinic are performed by experienced physicians for post-transplantation needs.

Organ transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage organ failure. For transplant recipients, the most important expectation is the long-term function of the transplanted organ. Therefore, post-operative follow-up and lifestyle changes are crucial.

During this period of renewed chance at life, close monitoring is necessary for the early detection of potential issues, particularly related to the effects of medications.

Which organs and tissues can be transplanted?

Currently, the most commonly transplanted organs and tissues include the kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, small intestine, bone marrow, cornea, and bone.

Who is the organ transplant from?

The organs used in transplant surgeries are sourced from living donors (typically up to fourth-degree relatives) or deceased individuals (cadavers). For example, the healthy corneas and kidneys of a person who has suffered brain death due to a head injury can be retrieved and transplanted to individuals with visual impairments or chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. A healthy liver from a deceased donor can also be transplanted to patients with liver cirrhosis or acute liver failure.

Who is eligible for transplantation?

For individuals with end-stage heart, liver, and kidney failure, a healthy and quality life can only be achieved through organ transplantation. There is no numerical limitation based on age. What matters is the individual’s overall health condition and the presence of any chronic health issues. If these conditions are met, organs from individuals of any age group can be utilized for transplantation. When a patient arrives at a transplant center, they undergo a detailed evaluation. The decision regarding transplantation is discussed in a multidisciplinary organ transplant council, and a determination is made on whether the transplant will be performed. Contrary to popular belief, the number of patients who are not suitable for transplantation is very small. Individuals with diabetes or hepatitis B and C may also be eligible for kidney transplantation. In cases where a live donor is available but transplantation cannot be performed due to blood group incompatibility or immunological test mismatch, the issue can be resolved through a paired exchange (matching with another compatible pair with an incompatible blood group).