Where do donated organs come from

Over the years, the pool of organ donors has expanded and there were advancements in surgical techniques and medications. However, there still remains a shortage of organ donors.

Living organ donors

There is a long and uncertain waiting time for deceased-donor organs. Living donor organ transplants provide an alternative to overcome this. Organs that can be donated while the donor is alive include the kidney or part of the liver.

In Singapore, donors do not have to be biologically related to the recipient (i.e. unrelated donations are allowed). Individuals may also donate to any patient on the national waiting list i.e. they do not specify the recipient. Such donors are called non-directed donors.

All living donors are encouraged to seek full information about the process, possible outcomes, risks and post-donation care before giving consent to proceed with the donation.

Donors who have been evaluated thoroughly and cleared for donation can expect to lead a normal life after surgery. Post-donation, annual checks are necessary to ensure that the donor remains in good health.

Stories of people who donated their kidney or part of their liver to their loved ones:

Jia Hui

‘In sickness and in health’, she donated one of her kidneys to the man she said ‘yes’ to for a lifetime together.

Kumaran

I wanted to give him a chance to watch his grandchildren grow up,’ he donated part of his liver to the man who brought him up.

Deceased organ donors

Donation of organs is usually only possible after brain death as the organs may still function for a period of time while the individual is supported on a ventilator in the intensive care unit (ICU). Donation of tissues (corneas, skin and heart valves) and/or whole body can also occur after circulatory death.

So, what are brain death and circulatory death?

Brain death refers to the irreversible and total loss of brainstem functions, and usually happens where there is a severe brain injury (e.g. due to accident or stroke). Brain death is not the same as being in a comatose state. Unlike comatose patients, brain dead patients have total and irreversible loss of brain functions and will not recover.

Circulatory death refers to the irreversible cessation of circulation of blood and respiration. Organs quickly become unsuitable for transplantation after circulatory death. However, tissues such as skin, heart valves and corneas can be donated within 24 hours of death.