Familiarity with 10 misconceptions about organ transplantation

There is a misconception among people about organ transplantation that it is the ultimate treatment for the failure of vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs.

Here are 10 of these misconceptions:

1- Having an organ donation card causes doctors not to make enough efforts to save the life of the patient holding the card.

The first goal of medical work is to save the patient’s life. The issue of organ donation arises when the patient has suffered from brain death. Brain death must be confirmed by two independent physicians. Brain death is irreversible, and patients with brain death usually die of cardio-respiratory arrest within a few hours or a maximum of a few days.

So far no disease has returned to life from brain death. Sometimes we hear that patients have regained consciousness from coma or coma, but it should be noted that in these people the cause of coma was not brain death. Therefore, it is a misconception that if someone wants to donate an organ or has an organ donation card, the medical staff will help save his life.

2- Organ donation is a non-religious work.

This belief is wrong. Many religions, especially the major religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism, have emphasized organ donation. Shiite scholars have issued several fatwas in support of organ donation to save others.

3- Organ donation leads to mutilation of the corpse.

Organ donation is performed during a special surgery so that the organs are removed safely for transplantation to patients in need. After the organs are removed, the surgical incisions are sutured like any other surgery. This surgery, like any other surgery, is associated with respect for the donor.

4- Aging prevents organ donation.

There is no set age for organ donation. The decision to use organs, even in the elderly, is based on specific medical characteristics, not the age of the donor. Some organs, such as the liver, can be used to save the lives of patients, even if taken from the elderly.

5. The disease prevents organ donation.

A small number of diseases prevent organ donation. This decision is also based on specific medical specifications. Many diseases do not prevent organ donation. The decision in this case depends on the opinion of the medical staff. Like many common diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it has no effect on the liver or lungs.

6- The transplant system gives priority to famous and rich people for transplantation.

Famous or wealthy people have no special priorities compared to other people in the society. The priority of transplantation is only based on specific medical criteria. Some of these priorities include the severity of the disease, the waiting time for the transplant, and the blood type

7- It is heard that people are kidnapped and their members are sold in the planet market.

This is just a rumor. First, organ removal for transplantation requires special surgery that can only be performed in well-equipped hospitals. Secondly, after removing the organs, it should be transplanted immediately to another person’s body, which requires special coordination and operation in a well-equipped center.

8. The family must pay for the organ donation.

After brain death, the donor family is not responsible for any of the costs, including organ donation.

9. In case of organ donation, the recipient families of the members may cause inconvenience to the donor family.

Organ donor information is a medical secret, but no information is given to recipients without the permission of the donor family.

10. In organ donation, all members are removed.

Organ donation is done only with the prior consent of the deceased or the family member. They can already express their consent to donate only some organs, for example, they can oppose corneal donation, but express their consent to donate other organs.

Dr. Reza Saidi Firoozabadi – Transplant surgeon