RECYCLE YOURSELF, BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR

To understand about Organ Donation, it is initially important to understand about Organ Transplants. A transplant is a medical procedure where one person’s dysfunctional organ or tissue is replaced by that of a healthy person, thus restoring its function and health. In certain cases, despite major advances in medical science, transplant is the one and only alternative. Transplants drastically improve the quality of life of the patient and give them another chance to live. The need for organ donors has never been greater. More than half a million Indians are estimated to be in dire need of an organ transplant.

Did you know, In India every year nearly:

• 500,000 people die because of non-availability of organs
• 200,000 people die of liver disease
• 50,000 people die from heart disease
• 150,000 people await a kidney transplant but only 5,000 get one
• 1,000,000 lakhs people suffer from corneal blindness and await transplant

Yet, less than a thousand transplants from deceased donors are performed each year – an incredibly small and insignificant number compared to the statistics around the world. Some of these people will find a living donor, who will donate an organ to them. The rest will probably die, waiting for an organ. Among all organs in our body, liver is the only organ which has the ability to regenerate, or grow back (a transplanted segment of a liver can grow to normal size within a few months).

A transplant takes place only if there is an organ available from a donor. While most organs that are transplanted are from deceased donors, patients may also receive organs from living donors. Living persons can donate a kidney, portions of the liver, lung, pancreas, intestines, blood, and still continue to live a normal life. For organ recipients, a transplant often means a second chance at life. Most important organs such as the heart, pancreas, liver, kidneys and lungs can be transplanted to those whose organs are failing. For some, an organ transplant means no longer having to be dependent on costly routine treatments to survive. It allows many recipients to return to a normal lifestyle. For instance, a cornea or tissue transplant means the ability to see again or the recovery of mobility and freedom from pain.

There are two ways a person may become eligible to be an organ donor:

• Individuals who suffer severe brain damage may be candidates for organ donation. Before declaring death, a physician will perform a series of tests to determine the donor’s brain function. If the physician determines that all brain activity has ceased (a condition known in the medical community as “brain death”. Brain death is NOT coma. Coma is a state of deep unconsciousness, where the brain continues to function and the person can breathe on his/her own, without the help of a ventilator. Thus, unlike brain death, in a coma, the brain still has the capacity to heal. If there is activity in the brain, the person will not be declared brain dead), the patient becomes eligible to provide life to those on the transplant waiting list by donating their loved one’s heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas or small intestine.
• After all lifesaving measures have been exhausted and it is determined that there will not be a meaningful recovery for the patient, the family – knowing their loved one’s wishes – decides to remove life sustaining measures such as the ventilator. Many families know that their loved one did not want to live in such a state and opt to let their loved one pass peacefully. This patient may be eligible to provide lifesaving organs to those on the waiting list for a lifesaving gift as well.

What makes organ donation difficult in India?

Finding a donor match is difficult to begin with. In India, this challenge is compounded by bureaucratic hurdles and lack of awareness.

• The first challenge is red-tapism and lengthy paperwork. According to existing rules, if the potential donor is not related to the person who needs the organ, the transplant needs to be approved by a state-level committee or by a hospital committee that includes government officials.
• The next challenge is that it is often difficult for family members to accept their loved one is brain dead. On a life support system, the person looks like he/she is sleeping. The fact that body is warm to touch and the heart is beating makes it difficult for  doctors to convince the family members to donate the organs of their relative. Even if the family is ready to donate organs, superstitions and misconceptions become impediments.
• Another problem is that there are too few surgeons and hospitals equipped for transplants. Ventilators for preserving the organs of a brain dead person and intensive-care unit personnel trained to manage such situations are prerequisites for a transplant.

Here are a few facts to clear up common misconceptions:

• Organ donation does not disfigure the deceased donor’s body. There is a single incision made through which organs are retrieved and it is ensured that the body is given back to the family in the most respectful manner.
• Healthy organs should be transplanted as soon as possible from the donor to the recipient. Organs must be removed as soon as possible after the determination of brain death, while circulation is being maintained artificially. Tissues may be removed within 12 to 24 hours.
• The donor’s family doesn’t have to bear any expenses for organ or tissue donation. All costs pertaining to the organs transplant surgery will be handled by the recipient’s family or the organ transplant program.
• Organ donation waiting lists are made according to the severity of the illness, blood type, and time spent waiting in every hospital.
• Unlike in many western countries, where an adult is asked to make a choice if he she wants to be a donor. But in India, the choice is left to the family. After a person carrying a donor card dies, the family still needs to approve the donation of organs. So, if you intend to be an organ donor, it is imperative that you inform your family about your wish.
• There are very few medical conditions that would automatically disqualify you from donating any organs or tissues.

One organ donor can donate upto twenty five different organs and tissues for transplantation. This can save up to nine lives. Lets help make a difference by giving the gift of life.