9 FAQs About Organ Donation

Day by day, the number of people with organ failure is increasing. These people can be saved by the transplantation of an external organ from a donor. Donors are the lifesavers of several people.

If you have to donate your organ for a transplant, you might have several thoughts and questions running through your mind. Consult with our experts at Manipal Hospitals to know more about it. Some of these questions are dealt with below:

• Which organs can I donate?

Currently, the organs which can be donated (i.e. successfully transplanted) include vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and pancreas. Also, tissues such as skin, cornea, heart valves, nerves, bones, and tendons can be donated.

• Do I have to register myself for organ donation?

You will have to get registered for organ donation in your state. The registration procedure differs from place to place. Know the specific registration procedure in advance. You always can change your decision and withdraw your registration if you change your mind at any later point in time.

• Should I have to bear any expenses to donate my organs?

It does not cost you or your family anything to donate an organ nor will you be paid for donating your organ.

• Can I donate my organs if I have a medical condition?

It does not necessarily mean that you cannot donate an organ if you have an existing medical condition. The criteria for an organ donation is decided by your health care professional.

• Am I too old to donate any of my organs?

It is the physical condition of the donor rather than their age which is taken into consideration. Your healthcare professional makes a decision on whether an organ can be taken for transplantation or not. Organs are also successfully transplanted from donors aged 70-80 years.

• When will the doctor recover donated organs for transplantation?

Only after a person is declared brain dead, the transplant team will retrieve the donated organs from the brain-dead person. Brain death is an irreversible condition, and the person cannot come back to life if declared to be brain dead. A ventilator keeps the heart functioning and allows the blood to circulate till the donated organ is recovered. Organs such as a single kidney or a part of the liver can be taken from a live person upon thorough medical assessment. Also, they need an informed consent form signed by your family members in agreement with your decision. Therefore, it is equally important for you to let your family members know your decision about your organ donation.

• In which conditions will I be exempted from donating my organs?

Usually, any person can donate an organ. But people with active cancer or HIV or infections (such as sepsis) or intravenous drug use are ruled out from organ donation.

• Will the quality of my treatment be affected by my decision to donate an organ?

Doctors will first and foremost focus on providing the best treatment to save your life and not somebody else’s. Your pledge for organ donation will not make any difference in the treatment provided to you.

• Will there be any change in the body’s appearance after organ retrieval?

No. Organ retrieval does not disfigure the body. A team of specialists will work carefully to carry out the operation. They have the utmost respect for the donor and treat them with the greatest care.

Donating a body organ today is a valuable service to provide; one that might save someone’s life while having a minimal impact on the quality of your own health.