Transplante

Transplante, or transplant, is the medical procedure in which an organ, tissue, or cells are transferred from a donor to a recipient to replace damaged or missing biological structure. It is performed to restore function when other treatments are insufficient. Common solid organ transplants include kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and intestine. Tissue transplants, such as cornea or skin, and hematopoietic stem cell transplants, which replace bone marrow, also fall under the broader category of transplantation.

Donors may be living or deceased. Living donors provide organs or tissues that can be removed safely, such as a kidney or a partial liver portion. Deceased donors donate organs after death, noting consent and medical suitability. Allocation and matching rely on blood type compatibility, tissue compatibility (HLA), medical urgency, time on the waitlist, and organ size. Mechanisms vary by country but aim to maximize fairness and transplant success.

Before transplantation, candidates undergo medical and psychosocial evaluation and give informed consent. The procedure involves surgical implantation of the donor material, followed by immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection. Postoperative care emphasizes organ function monitoring, infection prevention, and management of drug side effects. Long-term follow-up addresses chronic rejection risk and lifestyle adjustments.

Transplantation has advanced substantially since the mid-20th century, saving many lives and improving quality of life. It faces ongoing challenges, notably organ shortage, ethical considerations about consent and access, and disparities in availability. Research continues to improve organ preservation, immunosuppressive regimens, and new approaches such as regenerative medicine.