We Are Teaching the World a Lesson in Living Donor Transplantation

Dr. Yavuz Selim Çınar, President of the Organ Transplant Coordinators Association (ONKOD), shared insights into organ transplantation in Turkey and globally at the International Organ Transplant Congress held in Madrid, Spain. In an interview with AA correspondent Yeşim Sert Karaaslan, Çınar emphasized the situation of organ transplantation in both Turkey and the world.

He pointed out that nearly 2 million people worldwide and more than 25,000 patients in Turkey are waiting for organ transplants, relying on donated organs to sustain their lives. “Unfortunately, every year, about 10% of these patients lose their lives without being able to access a suitable organ. Undoubtedly, the most significant limiting factor in organ transplantation, both worldwide and in Turkey, is organ procurement,” he explained.

According to the latest data from Turkey’s Ministry of Health, Çınar provided the following statistics: “1,087 liver transplants from living donors and 359 from cadavers, and 2,647 kidney transplants from living donors and 693 from cadavers were performed.”

He stressed the importance of organ donation, stating, “At some point in their lives, every healthy person may need an organ. Therefore, organ donation is crucial.” Dr. Çınar also emphasized the importance of donations from brain-dead individuals, stating that everyone should be sensitive to this issue.

"We Are Ahead of Many Countries in Experience and Surgical Technique"

Dr. Çınar highlighted Turkey’s significant success in organ transplantation, particularly in kidney and liver transplants, stating that Turkey competes globally in these areas. He said:

“Turkey's success is especially remarkable in living donations. Turkey ranks in the top three globally in living kidney and liver transplants because we are technically ahead of many countries in this field, both in experience and surgery.”

Turkey is now in a position to train other countries in living donor transplants. Doctors from around the world come to Turkey to learn the surgical techniques for living donor transplants. As part of the International Transplant Network (ITN) project, 3,000 professionals from 76 countries have received organ transplantation training over the past three years.”

Dr. Çınar emphasized that the primary factor behind Turkey’s success in living donor organ transplants is the experienced doctors and the quality of training. He added, “The significant difference lies in the structure of our people. When a relative or loved one needs an organ transplant, our people can donate without hesitation. This increases the donation rates for living donations and, consequently, transplant opportunities.”

"We Will Become a Leading Country in Cadaveric Transplants Too"

Dr. Çınar also shared that Turkey is working to achieve similar success in cadaveric transplants and is focusing on training healthcare personnel, strengthening the technical infrastructure, and raising public awareness about organ donation. He added that, to prevent misinformation in the public, ONKOD, TONV, and other stakeholder organizations are conducting media workshops to keep the issue in the public eye and share accurate information with citizens.

“We hope that in the near future, we will write our name in cadaveric transplants globally, just as we did in living transplants. We have the scientific and technical infrastructure to achieve this, along with the relevant NGOs. Our Ministry of Health is very proficient in this area. With increased cadaveric donations, Turkey will become a leading country in organ transplants, just like we are in living donor transplants,” he said.

"Transplants Are Performed Safely, Free from Abuse"

Dr. Çınar emphasized the need to showcase Turkey’s success in organ transplants at international conferences and share the regulations and ethical practices that ensure the success of the process.

He pointed out that every stage of the transplantation process in Turkey is carried out in a secure environment, and potential abuse risks are prevented through legislation. "Since living donor transplants are high in Turkey, there are strict legal regulations in place. To prevent abuse, there are strict inspections regarding both the donor and recipient. In our country, transplants are primarily performed from relatives up to the 4th degree. If no suitable relative is available, transplants can be performed with the approval of the Ethical Committee. More than 90% of transplants are from relatives. There is very strict monitoring of the donor and recipient. Therefore, all transplants are performed safely without any risk of abuse," Dr. Çınar concluded.

Kaynak : https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/saglik/canlidan-nakilde-dunyaya-ders-veriyoruz/1194374