Organ Donation

Understanding the Importance of Organ Donation Day

By: | Tags: | Comments: 0 | November 21st, 2019

The Organ Donation Day campaign, which is celebrated every year at August 13th, provides a great opportunity in everyone’s life to come ahead and pledge to donate their precious organs. At Wockhardt Hospital we support this imitative and hope that in doing   further spread our ethos in making life win.

Some interesting Statistics for Organ Transplantation (http://www.organindia.org/make-a-pledge)

             Approximately 5 lakh people across the nation die each year.

  • Every year, about 5 lakh people die awaiting organ transplants due to non-availability of organs
  • There is a wide gap between the number of transplants awaited and the organs available.
  • The depressing statistics convey the urgent need for more people to step and donate their organs; save the lives of people languishing due to organ failure.
  • One organ donor can save more than 8 lives in his life by donating his well function organs.

OBJECTIVES OF ORGAN DONATION DAY:

  • To aware the people about the need of organ donation.
  • To distribute the messages of organ donation all over the country.
  • To remove the hesitations of the people about donating organs.
  • To say a grateful thanks to the donors of organs.
  • To motivate and encourage more people towards organ donation in their life.

What is organ Donation?

Organ Donation is the gift of an organ to a person who needs a transplant to improve his condition and health status. It is a procedure in which a health organ (donor) is taken from an individual who is either living or deceased and is transplanted into a person whose respective orphan (recipient) is malfunctioning.

Donated organs give the recipient the opportunity of a longer and better quality of life.

Is it a legal procedure?

Yes it is a legal procedure. It is governed by a transplant regulatory body and special acts laid down by authorities. All institutions conducting transplants have to be registered under the government and follow rules and regulations.

WHICH ORGANS (FOR TRANSPLANT SURGERY )CAN BE DONATED?

  • Kidney
  • Lungs
  • Heart
  • Eye
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Cornea
  • Small Intestine
  • Skin tissues
  • Bone tissues
  • Heart valves
  • Veins

What are the different types of organ donation?

  1. Live Related Donation: Living donation takes place when a living person donates an organ (or part of an organ) for transplantation to another person. The living donor can be a family member, such as a parent, child, brother or sister, grandparent or grandchild (living related donation).
  2. Live Unrelated Donation: Living donation can also come from someone who is emotionally related to the recipient, such as a good friend, a relative, a neighbour or an in-law (living unrelated donation).
  3. Deceased/Cadaver Organ Donation: The patient has to register in a hospital that does transplants. The patient will be put on a waitlist. As and when the organ from an appropriate deceased donor (brain death) is available, the patient will be intimated..
  • When must organs be removed?

When are organs removed after death?

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.

  • What is brain death?(cadaver transplant)

Brain death results from a severe, irreversible injury to the brain. All areas of brain are damaged and no longer function due to which a person cannot sustain his/her own life, but vital body functions may be maintained by an artificial support system. This maintains circulation to vital organs long enough to facilitate organ donation. People who experience brain death also donate tissues.

Which organs can be donated after brain death?

Vital Organs like heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas can be donated only in case of ‘brain death’. However other tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, bones etc. can be donated only in case of natural death

  • Can a donor donate organs after a cardiac death?

NO…Cardiac death results when the heart and breathing cease to function. All organs and tissues in the body suffer from lack of oxygen, circulation and die. People who have a cardiac death cannot be organ donors however they can donate tissues after death.

Who certifies that a patient is brain dead?

The Government has specified that a panel of doctors will certify brain death and not a single doctor. The panel consists of:

  • Doctor in charge of the hospital (medical superintendent)
  • Doctor nominated from a panel of Doctors appointed by the Appropriate authority
  • Neurologist/neurosurgeon/intensivist nominated from a panel appointed by the appropriate authority
  • Doctor treating the patient

Who authorises organ donation?

A recipient list (waiting list) for receiving organs is maintained in a register with the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre) who is responsible for allotting the organs.

In India why is the family so important in case of organ donation?

  • In many western countries an adult is asked to make a choice if he/she wants to be a donor.
  • In India, this final choice is left to the family. In case of brain death of a person carrying a donor card, the family still needs to approve the donation of organs. Family consent is essential for trans-plantation.
  • The Transplantation of Human Organs Act states that it is mandatory that the next of kin (parents, spouse, etc.) should agree to donate the organs of a brain dead family member.

Is organ donation safe?

All potential donors are screened for ruling out transmitted diseases such as HIV AND HEPATITIS.

Can I donate if I have a medical condition?

The medical condition will be assessed at the time of organ donation to see if you are fit candidate for the same. 

Are there any criteria’s for evaluating donors?

Yes certain tests like blood group, immunological status and medical   taken. The donors tissue matching and compatibility with recipient is vital consideration for transplant surgery.

Why is family support important in pledging your organs?

It is important to discuss your decision with family or next of kin. This is because in case of an emergency or an untoward incident, your family will be the first to be contacted. Only after seeking their permission can the doctors go ahead with retrieving your organs. If your family is aware of your decision, your wishes will be carried out the way you would have liked.

In scenarios where the families are not aware and need to be counselled on the wishes of their deceased relative, a lot of precious time is lost and sometimes the opportunity to donate is gone. In Organ donation, time is of prime importance. It is essential for the organs or tissues to be removed as

When is consent required for a minor?

If you are less than 18 years old, then your parents’ consent is required for organ donation. So if you want to become a donor, it’s important to tell them that you wish to donate. Children too are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide.

How can I pledge my organs?

You can pledge by simply filling up an organ donation card, Carry it around with you and mention personal details and family member who is aware of your decision as consent to go ahead with the procedure. You will also need to specify the organ you which to donate to save a life.

 Organ Transplantation… Some Life Saving Stories

As part of it advancement in the surgical domain, Wockhardt Hospitals has taken a pioneering step in the field   Multi-Organ Transplantation Unit for in their hospitals. It is recognised as the First specialized Liver, Kidney, Pancreas and Small Intestine transplant unit under one roof. With our philosophy of patient care first, this marks the coordinated team effort of multiple disciplines like Transplant surgery,  Nephrology, Anaesthesiology, Critical Care, Radiology, Transplant Nursing just to name a few, to deliver exemplary outcomes. This case symbolizes the technical excellence available at Wockhardt hospitals, to carry out such complex surgeries with perfection. Also it shows the new age technologies and infrastructure available at Wockhardt hospitals to be one of the few in country to carry out such complex surgeries.

We would like to highlight certain breakthrough cases that give him another chance to experience life to the fullest through this modality of organ transplantation At Wockhardt hospital.

SOBO Case

Transplant Team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, Performs The Most Complex Transplant Surgery.
“An act of family unity and compassion of saving a life by 2 brothers…

……… Coordinated, surgical ingenuity and dedication of by medical fraternity at Wockhardt Hospital

……….Saves a life of critical patient”

An Ex MLA from Latur district was suffering from Liver and Kidney failure due to Hepatitis B. Over the last year his condition was deteriorating and he was put on dialysis thrice weekly. He was suggested Liver & Kidney transplant simultaneously. He and his family decided to come down to Mumbai for this Surgery. The patient’s relative came forward bravely and decided to donate their organs, after understanding the pros and cons of organ donation and how it could save a life. The patient’s two nephews decided to help their uncle and assist in saving his life.

One of the brothers donated 60% of his liver and his youngest brother donated his left kidney. Both the donors were discharged 5 days after the operation. The patient (the recipient) has recovered very well and will be discharged. The patient’s whose organs were failing has a chance to a new life. According to the hospital it was most complicated liver and kidney transplant surgery. Three surgeries were carried out at the same time lasting for 20hrs. These surgeries were performed with the greatest precision. The patient also received only 4 unit blood transfusion during the surgery. Both transplanted liver and kidney started working immediately as soon as the blood supply was re-established for functioning. The young nephews (donors) after accomplishing this feet of human kindness also recovered successfully.

This complicated surgery was carried out by Dr Anurag Shrimal and Dr Gaurav Gupta – both Consultants Abdominal Organ Transplant & HPB Surgeons; lead a team of 15 doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, who successfully carried out this transplant. Three surgeries were carried out at the same time lasting for 20hrs. These surgeries were performed with the greatest precision.

As per some statistics:

  1. Less than 5% of all patients who needs liver transplant develop kidney failure also and need a simultaneous kidney transplant also.
  2. Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplant not only increase the quality of life (freedom from dialysis) but increases the quantity of life by more than 30%.  

Why was this surgery remarkable and one of its kind ….

  •  First in Western India to perform Living donor Simultaneous Liver and kidney transplant by a Mumbai based team.
  • Two healthy related family members donated. Nephew donated his right lobe of liver (65%), Brother donated his left kidney.
  • Three simultaneous operations lasting for 20hrs… a noteworthy achievement   in such a complicated surgery
  • Minimal blood loss in all three operations.
  • Team of 15 surgeons and Anaesthetist worked together for this operation. Team of more than 30 Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapist, and Nutritionist ensured speedy and uneventful recovery of all three (recipient and two donors)
  • Both donors were discharged on fifth day after surgery.

Sobo Case

 “22-year-Old Son Save Father’s life with liver Donation—A HEARTFELT STORY OF FAMILY VALUES AND EMPATHY “…

“A TOUCHING BOND BETWEEN FATHER ,SON AND   TRANSPLANT PROGRAM EXCELLENCE AT WOCKHARDT HOSPITAL, MUMBAI CENTRAL  GIVES A SECOND CHANCE TO A PATIENT”

The successfully  transplant surgery  was carried out  by  a Team lead by Dr. Anurag Shrimal, Sr. Liver Transplant surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central successfully performed a complex & Complicated liver transplant surgery. In this medical story   a 22-year-old younger son donated his 60 % liver to save his father suffering from end stage liver cirrhosis, giving him a new lease of life.   

When the patient came to Hospital a multidisciplinary team evaluated and optimized him in the next 4 weeks. The patient   was suffering from liver cirrhosis 90% of his liver was completely damaged & Liver transplant was the only solution for same.

Liver Cirrhosis is a liver disease where the normal healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue. Due to this the liver is not able to perform its regular functions. The disease is a slow progressing and blood flow is blocked in the liver, hampering the production of vital substance, from the liver affecting the overall health status of an individual.

As part of the initiative of the organ transplant program team they realised that the wait for getting a liver by cadaver donation would be an endless wait and the father would not survive

Hence both the sons took a brave decision. The Younger son who is just 22-year-old came forward to donate his part of liver to save his father’s life.

 As per the transplant protocol only blood relation can donate organ. The young man after understand in the formalities of live donor liver transplant organ transplantation a nd fully convinced a to go ahead with the surgery to help his father. “60 % of liver was donated for life saving liver transplant surgery.

The liver is the only internal organ that can regenerate itself. Since the boy was young  his liver will re-grow in about a month & his father will also be fine within 3-4 month with normal liver” ..A medical fact was shared by the transplants doctors.

 Live Liver transplant surgery is very complicated surgery, where  extra care of both donor & Patient have to be taken care of  but in the end the result were lifesaving.

Nashik Case:

ORGAN HARVESTING AT NASHIK HOSPITAL IN SUPPORT OF ORGAN DONATION.

Wockhardt Hospital Nashik in keeping with its philosophy of saving lives and social good will and support to medical fraternity   successfully carried out harvesting of organs.

On 31st March a patient who met with tragic car accident suffered irreversible brain damage and was declared brain dead. The patient’s wife took a brave decision and decided to donate his organs and support the purpose of organ donation. His body was donated for the purposes of retrieving his vital organs. Patient’s kidney, heart and liver were successfully harvested after taking advice from senior neurosurgeon Dr Sanjeev Desai attached to Nashik hospital. The main aim would be that a deserving patient whose life could be saved would benefit from this act of good will.

This act of generosity saved the life of three patients and was truly a commendable act of empathy and compassion by the patient wife.

As fate would have both the patients kidney were successfully transplanted in two respective patients a 66 year old who was on haemodialysis and was on the transplant list and a young man who was on   dialysis for a period of 4 years. Both these transplant at Nashik hospital saved these patients life and gave them a second chance to a better quality of life. The transplant surgery was carried out under the experienced hands of transplant program team comprising of Dr. Nagesh Aghor, surgical team comprising Dr.  Kishor  Wani, Dr Rahul Kaiche, Dr GB Singh and anaesthesiologist Dr Kirandeep Sandhu and Rupinder Kaiche. The patient’s heart was transplanted in a 13 year old girl from Jalgaon who was suffering from an end stage heart disease in Pune successfully. 

In India today there is an immense gap between the numbers of patients requiring organs and the availability of the same. Our societies need to understand and be aware of the importance of organ donation and as a citizen involve themselves in such worthy causes of saving lives.

As part of our endeavour towards achieving Wockhardt hospital fully supports this initiative towards saving live and giving a second chance to those who need it the most.

Nagpur Case.

 “The  hand of Destiny  saves 2 strangers through  any act of compassion —-Nagpur’s first SWAP kidney transplant successfully performed at Wockhardt Hospital”

2 patients aged 36 and 46 yrs  were  at  Nagpur hospital both diagnosed with renal failure and  had a similar critical problem. As a generous and brave gesture , both their family members were ready to donate their kidney to save their loved one.

After screening of the donor with the recipient tissues  it was discovered that donor-recipient blood groups did not match of both the patients with their relatives respectively. Destiny brought both families (who had never known or met before) to Wockhardt Hospital Nagpur where tests revealed that the family member’s kidney matched and was fit enough to be given to the recipient of the other family. Both families were counselled by the medical team at Wockhardt Hospital and with their consent, the surgery was successfully performed.

In such a case where there  the doctors decided to carry put Swap Kidney transplant in medical parlance, the surgery was undertaken by the team of efficient doctors led by Dr. Sajay Kolte (Transplant Surgeon) and Dr. Suryashree Pandey (Nephrologist) at Wockhardt Hospital and was successfully completed in 9 hours. After the surgery both the donors  and recipients  were stable . The surgery was an absolute miracle for both patients. According to the doctors the surgery was beneficial to the patients in saving them time and money. Both patients could also have been suggested out of the blood group transplant but it is very expensive and requires a prolonged treatment of immuno – suppressants and there is greater chance of rejection of the kidney.

The final outcome was that that both families consented and were medically benefitted bytheir decision.  The coordinated effort of our doctors and our robust kidney transplant department helped us achieve this milestone’. Wockhardt Hospital, Nagpur has completed more than 65 kidney transplant surgeries in the last 5 years and was the first to do a cadaver kidney transplant surgery in whole of central India.  Recently, Wockhardt was also the first to perform a transport “KTP” as it is called amongst the doctor fraternity .

Mira Road Case

The bond of sisterhood saves life of two sisters through an act of live organ donation at  Wockhardt Mira Road.

2 women’s(sisters) due to  a long standing kidney  infection damages the kidneys and were advised kidney transplant. A successful kidney transplant by Dr Mahesh Prasad and patient recovered completely and can lead healthy lives.

Kidney diseases are on rise due to water pollution and in taking of various medications in our lifetime which damages the kidney and is causing rise in the no of kidney transplant cases.

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