Transplantation — Organ Transplant Surgery & Care Videos

Which organs can be transplanted?

Kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas and corneas are the most common transplants; bone marrow (stem cell) transplants treat many blood diseases. Kidneys are by far the most frequently transplanted organ.

What is organ rejection?

Rejection is the immune system attacking the transplanted organ because it recognises it as foreign. It is managed — and often prevented — with anti-rejection medicines and close monitoring, including blood tests and sometimes biopsies.

Do transplant patients take medicines for life?

In most cases, yes: immunosuppressant medicines are taken for as long as the transplant works, to stop rejection. Doses are adjusted over time and balanced against infection risk by the transplant team.

Who can be a living donor?

Living donors — most often for kidney and partial liver donation — are carefully assessed adults whose health allows donation and whose blood and tissue types are compatible. The assessment protects the donor as much as the recipient.