Sunday 16 August 2015

Organ Donation; Frequently asked Questions and Answers




1.      Which organs can be donated? 

:    Ans: A person may safely donate his/her internal organs: Kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs, skin, bone and bone marrow and cornea.
Most organ and tissue donations occur after the donor has died. But some organs and tissues can be donated while the donor is alive.

2.       Who all can be a living organ donor?

Ans: Sometimes a patient may ask a loved one or friend to donate an organ. There are some
people who decide on their own to be a live organ donor to help an unknown person in
need. Either way, this decision should be yours alone. No one should pressure you into
donating an organ.
If you want to be an organ donor, you must be in good health. Depending on the
decision of the transplant center, certain medical conditions may be identified that will
prevent you from donating. Your future health is the greatest concern of the transplant
team.

3.       What happens after I decide to be a living organ donor?

 First, you will meet with the transplant team, answer questions about your health, and have a physical exam. The team will order many tests for you. You will have a psychological exam to make sure you have thought about the decision to donate. Finally, a match test will be done to make sure you and the person who will get your organ have a compatible, or matching, blood/tissue type. You will not be able to donate your organ if:  
• Your blood/tissue is not compatible with the recipients* • You do not understand the pros and cons of donation • You are not acting on your own free will • You are not healthy enough to donate • You are being financially compensated to donate *Some centers can overcome incompatibility issues. If not, you may be able to donate to another patient. You can discuss these options with the transplant team. Unless you choose otherwise, all of your donor testing will be confidential and not shared with anyone outside the center, including your recipient. 

4.       What are the risks of re-assuming a normal life post the surgery?

Ans: The best source of information about risks and expected donor outcomes is your transplant team. In addition, it’s important to take an active role in learning more about these potential surgical risks and long term complications.  

5.       What about the effect on pregnancy?

Ans: It is unwise to consider donating organs if pregnancy in the future is an option; however, kidney donations are known to not affect completion of a safe pregnancy and childbirth. Still, it differs from case to case.

6.       What is the age limit for one to be a legal organ donor in India?

Ans: In India, a person has to be 18 years of age or above to be a legally acceptable organ donor.

7.       What if organ donation is against my religious beliefs?

Ans: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions. This includes Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, most branches of Judaism and most Protestant faiths. If you're unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith's position on donation, ask a member of your clergy.

8.       Donating after death.

After death, one person can help as many as eight people by donating their organs. They can benefit many more by donating tissue, such as skin, bone, corneas or tendons. Because organs have to be transplanted very soon after the donor has died, it is easier if donated by people who have died in hospital. Most people don’t die in the hospital, but at home.
Organ and tissue donation doesn't interfere with having an open-casket funeral. The donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back in the casket, no one can see any difference.

****