In Episode 3 of HealthShots #DocShots, transplant surgeon solutions widespread questions on donor eligibility, dwelling and deceased donation, and the way forward for transplant care in India.
Organ donation can provide somebody a second probability at life, but many individuals nonetheless have questions on who can donate, what organs could be donated and whether or not donation is secure for the donor. In India, the necessity for organs continues to be a lot increased than the quantity accessible for transplant. Whereas dwelling donation has grown considerably, deceased organ donation nonetheless has appreciable room for enchancment.
To handle these questions and make conversations round organ donation simpler to know, HealthShots brings the third episode of #DocShots, that includes Dr Vipin Sisodia, Robotic Surgeon of Urology at Yatharth Tremendous Speciality Hospital, Higher Noida. Within the episode, we discusses organ donation developments, widespread myths, donor eligibility, post-Covid screening, and the way AI and robotics are altering transplant surgical procedure.
Q. What’s the present state of affairs of organ donation in India?
India has seen an increase in organ transplants, however the demand nonetheless far exceeds the availability. In line with Dr Sisodia, round 20,000 transplants have been carried out in India in 2025, together with roughly 16,000 living-donor and three,500 deceased-donor transplants. Kidney and liver transplants accounted for practically 80 per cent of those procedures. Nevertheless, round 2.25 lakh folks develop end-stage kidney illness yearly and require dialysis or transplantation. Growing deceased organ donation might assist bridge this hole.
“One organ from a deceased donor can save eight lives,” says Dr Sisodia, highlighting why larger public consciousness round organ donation is required.
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Q. What are the most important myths round organ donation?
Dr Sisodia says a number of myths proceed to discourage folks from donating organs. One widespread concern amongst dwelling donors is whether or not donating a kidney will have an effect on their very own well being. “The primary goal of a health care provider or transplant surgeon is first, do no hurt,” he says. Donors bear detailed screening, and if they’re discovered unsuitable, they don’t seem to be allowed to donate.
One other fable is that organ donation causes mutilation of the physique. “It has been finished by the surgeons, surgically. There isn’t a mutilation,” he explains.
Price is one other concern. In line with Dr Sisodia, dwelling donors wouldn’t have to bear the transplant-related prices themselves, as these are coated by the hospital and transplant crew.
Q. Residing vs deceased organ donation: What’s the distinction?
Residing donation includes a wholesome individual donating an organ or a part of an organ to somebody who wants it. A dwelling donor can donate one kidney or a part of the liver, and in chosen instances, a part of the lung, pancreas or gut.
Deceased donation takes place after a donor has died, normally following mind loss of life. Relying on medical suitability, organs equivalent to the center, lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas, in addition to tissues together with corneas, bones and tendons, could be donated.
Q. How are AI and robotics altering transplant surgical procedure?
Expertise can also be turning into an essential a part of transplant care. Dr Sisodia says AI might help organise and analyse the big quantity of data concerned in donor-recipient matching and transplant planning. Robotic surgical procedure, in the meantime, could make sure transplant procedures much less invasive. In robotic kidney transplantation, smaller incisions and extra exact actions can doubtlessly cut back surgical trauma and help restoration.
Nevertheless, Dr Sisodia cautions that robotics has not but develop into the gold customary for transplant surgical procedure. “It wants slightly extra time,” he says, though he believes its position will proceed to develop.
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Q. Can folks with power sicknesses nonetheless be donors?
“Sure, they are often donors,” supplied there is no such thing as a end-organ harm and their situation is properly managed.
Q. Is there an age restrict for donating organs after loss of life?
“No, there is no such thing as a age restrict.” Coronary heart and lungs can usually be thought of as much as 50, kidneys as much as 70, whereas corneas could be donated at any age.
Q. Can somebody who had Covid-19 safely donate?
“Sure, she or he can safely donate” if their lungs are regular and pulmonary operate is passable.
Q. Which organs and tissues could be donated?
“Coronary heart, lungs, kidney, cornea, muscle tissue, tendons, bones, pancreas, gut—all these tissues could be given.”
Q. Can most cancers survivors donate organs?
“Sure, however there are specific pointers.” The donor could have to be cancer-free for a specified interval, and never all most cancers survivors are eligible.
Q. Can somebody with diabetes or hypertension donate?
“Sure,” supplied there is no such thing as a end-organ harm and the situation could be properly managed earlier than and after donation.
Q. Can you reside a traditional life after donating a part of your liver?
“Sure, you may reside a traditional life” by sustaining a wholesome life-style, avoiding alcohol and protecting a wholesome weight.
Q. How briskly does a donated liver develop again?
“In a few months, it comes again to regular.”
Q. Which organs can come from dwelling versus deceased donors?
A dwelling donor can donate one kidney or a part of the liver, lung, pancreas or gut. A deceased donor can doubtlessly donate each kidneys, coronary heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, gut and a number of other tissues, together with bones and tendons.
