Introduction

The section on organ transplantation has been subdivided in 5 themes that are accessible through the links in the side bar. Many of these themes have points in common with the other types of transplantation. (see the ? to read more).

Organ transplantation is the transfer of a healthy organ (or part of it) from a donor to a recipient while re-establishing vascularity.
Since the first successful transplantation of a kidney in 1954, the number of transplantations have increased significantly, mainly because improvements in the surgical techniques and in immunosuppression have considerably improved the transplantation outcome To date, several organs are transplanted. Unfortunately, transplantation is limited by a lack of organ donors.

Kidney
Liver
Lung
Heart
Pancreas
Intestine

Organs available for transplant

The site will describe general aspects common to all organ transplantation. Here you can find valuable information about organs available for transplant and common diseases of each that may lead to transplantation.

Recipient and transplantation

This section focus on the pre-transplant process of a patient in need of an organ transplant. Read more ...

Donor and compatibility

Organ functions deteriorate quickly when the organ is no more supplied. For the reason, retrieval and preservation of donated organ, as well as the conditions in which the donor died are crucial. To increase organ availability, living donor may be considered for kidney and liver. Read more ...

Transplantation barriers

Because donor and recipient are genetically different, the transplanted organ will be recognized by the patient's immune system, which may lead to the rejection of the graft. The section "Transplantation barriers" explains which molecules are recognized as well as the underlying mechanisms. Read more ...

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppression is essential to prevent graft rejection and has to be given throughout. Unfortunately, immunosuppression is associated with several side effects. Majors immunosuppressive drugs, as well as common treatment used for transplantation are presented here. Read more ...

Complications

Rejection of the graft caused by the recognition by immune system of incompatible tissue is the major complication. In addition, the side effects of the life-long immunosuppression may be considerable. We will discuss the overall mechanisms of rejection and consider characteristic complications encountered after transplantation of a given organ. Read more ...