Organ Transplant

Overview

What is an organ transplant?

An organ transplant replaces a failing organ with a healthy organ from another person. Organs most often transplanted are:

More than one organ can be transplanted at one time. For example, a heart and lung transplant is possible.

Who can get a transplant?

Your doctor or a transplant center will do tests to see if you are a good candidate for an organ transplant. If your tests show that you're a good candidate, you may be able to get a transplant from a living donor. Or you may be put on a waiting list.

Each transplant center has its own criteria for who is a good candidate for an organ transplant. You may not be a good candidate if you are above a certain age or weight or if you have certain infections or medical conditions.

How successful are organ transplants?

Transplants are more successful today than ever before. Organ transplant success depends on:

  • Which organ is transplanted.
  • How many organs are transplanted. For example, you could have a heart transplant or a heart and lung transplant.
  • The disease that has caused your organ to fail.
  • Whether you have unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.
  • How well you take your medicines as prescribed.

Here are the chances of being alive 5 years after having an organ transplant. These numbers are averages. Your personal chances will depend on your health, the donor organ, and other things.footnote 1

  • Heart: About 8 out of 10 people
  • Intestine: About 6 out of 10 people
  • Kidney: About 9 out of 10 people
  • Kidney and pancreas: About 9 out of 10 people
  • Liver: About 8 out of 10 people
  • Lung: About 6 out of 10 people
  • Pancreas: About 8 out of 10 people

What can you expect after a transplant?

After a transplant, many people say they feel better than they have in years. You'll take medicines to prevent your immune system from rejecting the new organ. You'll have checkups and blood tests to see how well the organ is working. You may need to make some lifestyle changes to keep the organ healthy. Screening for certain cancers is also very important after an organ transplant.

Who can be an organ donor?

Some people who are critically ill need an organ transplant to live. But there are a lot more organs needed than are available.

Many people choose to donate organs upon their death. But you can donate certain organs while you are still living.

Donor organs are needed. If you are interested in donating an organ, contact the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) at 1-888-894-6361 or go online at www.transplantliving.org to learn more and to find the nearest transplant center.

What to know

  • Most adults can become organ donors.
  • You can donate to someone you know or to someone in need by donating to the national waiting list.
  • Organs you can donate include your heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and pancreas.
  • If you have questions about organ donation, talk to your doctor, a trusted friend, or your faith leader.
  • Most religions allow organ donation.
  • You will not be denied life-saving care if you need it. State laws and emergency medical practices ensure that your life comes first. The medical staff who take care of you are completely separate from the organ donation system. Only when a donor has died does a medical team contact the organ donation network to arrange a donation.
Information about Healthwise article | Blueshield of CA

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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