Sure organs will be partially donated whereas alive corresponding to a lobe of the lung, a portion of the pancreas, or a phase of the gut permitting recipients a brand new likelihood at life with out compromising the donor’s general well being |Picture used for representational function solely
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When individuals hear “ living organ donation,” they often consider a kidney or a part of a liver. Nonetheless, medical progress now permits residing people to donate components of different organs. This will save lives with out placing your individual well being in danger. The highly effective impression of those donations is obvious. Recipients profit significantly, and donors usually contemplate the expertise as one of the vital significant acts of their lives. Past kidney and liver, listed below are a number of the lesser-known residing donations


A lobe of the lung
Presently, it’s not potential to outlive after donating a complete lung. Nonetheless, in particular instances of extreme lung illness, a affected person can obtain a lobe from a wholesome donor.
Whereas the donor might face a slight discount in lung capability in some circumstances, the recipient can usually cease counting on fixed oxygen help, resulting in a fast enchancment of their high quality of life. This process is often thought-about when no donor lungs can be found from deceased people and the affected person is in crucial situation.


A portion of the pancreas
A pancreas transplant, or a partial transplant, will be life-changing for sufferers with critical Kind 1 diabetes, particularly after they can not management their blood sugar regardless of intensive remedy.
Donors undergo thorough screening to make sure their remaining pancreas can nonetheless produce insulin and digestive enzymes at regular ranges. Though restoration takes a number of weeks, the reward is understanding that you’ve got given somebody the possibility to reside while not having every day insulin injections.
A phase of the gut
Small bowel transplants are unusual however will be important for sufferers with extreme intestinal failure who wrestle to soak up vitamins by means of common digestion. Donors can donate a piece of their small gut. The restoration interval is longer in comparison with different procedures, however most donors handle effectively as a result of gut’s spectacular skill to adapt.
In medical perspective, residing organ donation is a critical dedication. Each potential donor goes by means of a cautious analysis course of, which incorporates — medical screening, to examine for any present well being points that would put the donor in danger.
Psychological evaluation, to make sure the donor is absolutely knowledgeable, emotionally prepared, and keen to donate with out stress. Surgical Planning, inorder to scale back dangers and obtain the most effective outcomes for each the donor and recipient.
Submit-operative care is simply as important. Donors are carefully monitored, monitoring their bodily restoration and providing long-term well being checks. A physician’s accountability is to save lots of two lives—the recipient’s and the donor’s.


Moral issues
Residing organ donation brings up essential moral questions. Knowledgeable consent is essential; donors should perceive the dangers and long-term results.
Coercion, even from caring members of the family, shouldn’t be acceptable. Donors want to concentrate on potential well being impacts, even when they’re uncommon. As docs, we should make sure that the choice to donate is genuinely voluntary and that no potential hurt outweighs the advantages. These donations can imply the distinction between life and demise, or between being tied to medical machines and residing absolutely.
Whereas residing organ donation shouldn’t be a call to take flippantly, you will need to be taught concerning the intricacies of the process. Below the suitable circumstances, one might discover that they will reward a life with out sacrificing their very own well being.
(Dr. Rahul Rai is senior guide, hepatology & liver transplant doctor, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur. rahul.rai.dr@narayanahealth.org)
Revealed – August 15, 2025 06:00 pm IST
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