What is a transplant?
A
transplant is the
surgical placement of tissue or an organ from one
part of the body to another or from one individual to
another. Some tissues and organs, for example
kidneys and parts of livers, can be donated by
living humans. Others are donated only after death has
occurred.
When is a transplant performed?
A
transplant is performed when a malfunctioning organ
or
tissue cannot be effectively treated with
medication. The patient or prospective recipient is
carefully tested to determine eligibility for a
transplant. Eligibility is based on age, underlying
health status and degree of organ failure. If eligible,
the prospective recipient is put on a transplant list.
If a donated organ or tissue becomes available when the
prospective recipient is at the top of the waiting list,
the prospective recipient and donated organ or tissue
are checked for compatibility. If compatible, the
transplant is surgically completed.
Does a transplant hurt?
Not during the operation, as general
anesthesia is used to prevent discomfort to the
patient. However,
incision sites may be sore for some time following
the
transplant.
Are there any potential
complications associated with a transplant?
Yes, the body may reject the donated
tissue or organ. Transplant patients take many
medications after the transplant to prevent their body
from rejecting the organ or tissue. Also, because there
are long waiting lists for organ transplants, the
patient waiting for a donated organ may not survive
until they reach the top of the waiting list, a
compatible organ becomes available, and the transplant
can be performed.
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Transplant 
