allotransplant

An allotransplant, also known as an allograft, is a surgical procedure in which an organ or tissue is transplanted from one individual to another of the same species. The donor and recipient are typically genetically dissimilar, although they belong to the same species. This is the most common type of organ transplant, as organs from other species (xenotransplantation) or from a deceased donor (orthotopic transplantation in some contexts) are less prevalent or involve different terminology.

The success of an allotransplant relies heavily on the compatibility between the donor and recipient, primarily determined by their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types. Immune rejection is a significant challenge, where the recipient's immune system recognizes the transplanted organ as foreign and attacks it. To mitigate this, recipients must take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives. These drugs suppress the immune system, reducing the risk of rejection but also increasing susceptibility to infections and other complications.

Common allotransplants include kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, and pancreases. Tissues such as corneas, skin, and bone can also be transplanted allotransplantingly. The procedure involves surgically removing the diseased or damaged organ or tissue from the recipient and replacing it with a healthy one from the donor. The source of the donor organ can be from a living relative, a living unrelated donor, or a deceased donor. Ethical considerations and extensive evaluation processes are in place for both donors and recipients to ensure the safety and efficacy of the transplant.