Types of Organ Donation: Sharing Your Organs to Save Others

Organ donation is the process where a donor gives legal permission to transfer his/her organ to another. The surgical procedure to achieve this is called a transplant. There are several different types of organ donation. This procedure is normally for transplant purposes when the recipient’s organs have failed or are severely damaged due to disease or injury.

Organ donors are in demand all over the world. In the Philippines, organ donors are needed for patients with end-stage organ failure. According to data from the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI), one Filipino dies each week while waiting for organs.

What types of organ donation are there?

Types of organ donation: Deceased donation

This type of organ donation occurs when the donor has passed away. In some cases, individuals who are declared brain dead may be donors.

Types of organ donation: Living donation

This type occurs while the donor is still alive. Only select organs can be donated, including a kidney, the lobe of a liver, part of a lung, intestine, and some tissues such as:

• Skin
• Bone
• Cartilage
• Bone marrow
• Red blood cells

Types of organ donation: Vascular composite allograft (VCA)

This type of organ donation is done for the transplantation of structures such as skin, bone, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. This is usually done for hand and face transplants.

Types of organ donation: Pediatric donation

In this type, organ size comes into play. Children needing transplants respond better to child-sized organs.

Organs for transplant

Organs that are available for transplant include:

• Liver
• Heart
• Kidney
• Pancreas
• Lung
• Intestine
• Cornea
• Middle ear
• Skin
• Bone
• Cartilage
• Bone marrow
• Heart valves
• Connective tissue

How is organ donation facilitated in the Philippines?

Several bodies in the country promote and coordinate organ donation. One is the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PHILNOS), which was formed under the Department of Health to be the central coordinating body for organ donation and transplant activities.

The Organ Donation Act of 1991 says that any person can donate any or all organs of their body through a legacy or will. Family members may also make the decision for them if there was no contrary intention by the deceased.

Among the groups focusing on organ donation in the country is the Human Organ Preservation Effort (HOPE), which aims to promote organ and tissue donation from deceased donors. They also screen living donors given the scarcity of organ donors. They work in collaboration with the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) as well as the health department’s Philippine Organ Donation Program (PDOP).

How do I become an organ donor?

When deciding to become an organ donor, note that it is important to consult with your family, your healthcare provider, and if you wish, a member of the clergy or your religious organization.

You may reach out to the following institutions:

National Kidney and Transplant Institute

• (63) (2) 8981-0300 / 8981-0400

HOPE

• 981 0300 / 981 0400 Local 4410 to 4413

REDCOP

• [email protected]

Am I eligible to become an organ donor?

Anybody, regardless of age, race, and ethnicity can be an organ donor. If the donor is deceased, doctors will check the organs for sustainability. The health of the organ matters more than the donor’s age. Living donors must be physically fit. They must be:

• In good health
• Free from conditions such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease

Key Takeaway

Organ donation is an important practice that has the potential to save lives. You can donate a variety of organs through different types of organ donation: deceased, living, VCA, and pediatric. It is easy to sign up for a donor card in the Philippines, but it is a decision that you need to discuss with your loved ones, your doctor, and perhaps a member of your clergy. Anybody can be an organ donor as long as they pass the examination of their organ’s health.

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