Siirdamis

Siirdamis is the Estonian term for transplantation, the medical procedure of transferring cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient to replace damaged or missing material. It encompasses organ transplantation as well as tissue and cellular transplants.

The field includes organ transplantation (such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas) alongside tissue transplants (for example cornea, bone, and skin) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Donors can be living, as in some partial organ donations, or deceased. Matching between donor and recipient relies on blood type and tissue compatibility, particularly human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, and is facilitated by national or regional allocation systems designed to balance urgency and fairness.

Transplant recipients require immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, typically involving combinations of medications that dampen the immune response. Ongoing monitoring focuses on detecting rejection, managing infections, and addressing drug-related side effects. Outcomes vary by organ type, degree of compatibility, donor status, and adherence to treatment and follow-up care.

History and regulation: siirdamis has evolved from early 20th-century experiments to routine clinical practice. The first successful kidney transplant occurred in 1954 between identical twins, and advances in immunosuppression during the 1980s and beyond markedly improved survival. Ethical and legal considerations include informed consent, donor registration, and equitable allocation. In many countries, siirdamis is governed by health authorities and public programs aimed at improving donor participation and transplant availability.