Why might I need an organ transplant?

Each organ in your body performs a vital function. Although not all organs can be transplanted, when an organ fails because of disease or other causes, an organ transplant may be a lifesaving option for some people.

An organ transplant replaces a failing organ with a healthy one from a donor. Organs most often transplanted include the:

• Kidney . Diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, and lupus may lead to a kidney transplant.
• Heart . Diseases that may lead to a heart transplant include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects.
• Lung . A lung may need to be replaced as a result of cystic fibrosis.
• Pancreas . Diabetes can sometimes lead to a pancreas transplant.
• Liver . Cirrhosis and hepatitis C are two diseases that can lead to a liver transplant.

How successful is organ transplant?

Organ transplants have been done in the United States since the 1950s. Transplantation is continually evolving and is more successful today than ever before. Even though your body's immune system may try to reject the donor organ, advances in medicines have dramatically reduced the threat of rejection.

The long-term success rates for organ transplants vary by the type of organ transplanted, by the number of organs transplanted at the same time (such as heart/lung transplants), and by the type of disease that caused the organ to fail. Generally, success rates for single-organ transplants average 80% or higher.¹ The highest success rate is for kidney transplantation, which has a 5-year survival rate of about 80% to 90%. The 5-year survival rate for liver transplants is about 73% to 78%; for lung transplants, about 45% to 52%; for pancreas transplants, 80% to 90%; and for heart transplants, 70% to 73%²

How do I prepare for an organ transplant?

Transplantation can be a long and challenging process. The thought of having an organ transplant may be frightening or overwhelming, but a transplant can greatly improve your quality of life.

First, you'll need to have blood and tissue tests done that will be used to match you with a donor. The more matches you have with the donor, the more likely your body will accept the donor organ. Next, you'll be placed on a waiting list. This is done after you have been evaluated and accepted by the transplant center that will perform your surgery.

Because receiving a donor organ is a big responsibility, you'll have to be committed to taking good care of yourself in order to be approved for a donor organ. The best way to take care of your new organ is to take medicines as prescribed, get regular blood tests, and make any necessary lifestyle changes to stay healthy. There are also many emotional issues that may come with a transplant, so you may be required to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed mental health counselor about your transplant.

What can I expect afterwards?