From the Guidelines
Human organs that can be donated include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, as supported by the most recent evidence from 2020 1. These organs can be donated after brain death or cardiac death, and the process involves careful matching between donor and recipient based on blood type, tissue compatibility, medical urgency, and geographic location. The organs that are most commonly procured and transplanted include:
- Kidneys
- Livers
- Lungs
- Heart
- Pancreas
- Intestines Additionally, tissues such as corneas, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels, and connective tissues can also be donated, as mentioned in the example answer. Living donors can give a kidney, part of their liver, lung, intestine, or pancreas, as well as blood, bone marrow, and stem cells, allowing for a wider range of donation options 1. Organ donation saves thousands of lives annually by replacing failing organs with healthy ones, allowing recipients to return to normal activities, thus improving their quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality. The need for organ donors far exceeds the available supply, with thousands of people on waiting lists for transplants, highlighting the importance of organ donation in real-life clinical medicine. A study from 2015 1 also reported on the procurement of kidneys, livers, and lungs, but the most recent evidence from 2020 1 provides a more comprehensive overview of the organs that can be donated. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, it is essential to prioritize organ donation as a life-saving measure, and the most recent evidence supports the donation of a wide range of organs and tissues.
From the Research
Human Organs that can be Donated
The following human organs can be donated:
- Kidneys
- Heart
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Intestines
- Lungs
- Bones
- Bone marrow
- Skin
- Cornea 2 Some organs such as the kidney and parts of the liver, pancreas, lungs, and intestines can be donated while the donor is alive, but most donations occur after the donor's death 2.
Organs Donated after Circulatory Death
Donation after circulatory death (DCD) allows for the retrieval of organs for transplantation after death confirmed using circulatory criteria. Organs that can be donated through DCD include:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Lungs 3, 4 DCD donors can also donate other organs and tissues, such as corneas and bone tissue 5.
Organ Donation Rates and Trends
The organ donation rate varies by country and region. In some countries, such as Spain, the donation rate is higher than in others, such as India 2. Trend analysis of organ and tissue donation has shown an increase in donation rates for certain organs, such as skin, bones, and pancreas, over the years 6. However, the donation rate for other organs, such as liver, kidneys, and corneas, has remained relatively stable 6.