transplantationis

Transplantation is a medical procedure involving the removal of an organ or tissue from one person, or a donor site on their own body, and then implanting it into another person. This process is most commonly performed to replace a diseased or damaged organ with a healthy one from a donor. Organs that can be transplanted include kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Tissues like corneas, skin, bone marrow, and bone can also be transplanted.

Donors can be either living or deceased. Living donors typically donate organs or tissues that can regenerate or where one of a pair can be spared, such as a kidney or a lobe of the liver. Deceased donors provide organs and tissues after they have been declared brain dead or after their heart has stopped beating. The success of transplantation relies heavily on matching the donor and recipient to minimize the risk of rejection, where the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ.

Following a transplant, recipients must take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives to prevent their immune system from rejecting the new organ. Despite the risks and lifelong medication requirements, transplantation offers a life-saving or life-improving option for many individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure or severe tissue damage. The field continues to evolve with advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppression, and organ preservation.