Our Summary

This paper discusses the history and progress of organ transplantation in Israel. Organ transplants started in the mid-20th century, with improvements in surgical techniques, understanding of immune responses, drugs to prevent organ rejection, and ways to preserve organs. The first heart and kidney transplants in Israel happened in the 1960s, with pancreas, lung, and liver transplants introduced in the late 80s and early 90s. The use of new drugs to prevent organ rejection, Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus, greatly improved transplant success rates.

The National Transplant Center, established in 1994, standardized the organ transplant process by creating lists of patients waiting for each type of organ, deciding how organs are allocated, and overseeing live-donor transplants. In 2008, Israel passed a law to regulate organ transplantation, including rules against organ trade. This helped increase the number of transplants in Israel and reduced the number of Israelis getting transplants abroad.

The Matnat Chaim Organization, founded in 2012, has also increased the number of kidney transplants, mainly from people donating out of kindness. Despite these improvements, there is still a shortage of organs from deceased donors, and more needs to be done to meet the demand for organ transplants. The paper looks at the first transplants in Israel and the steps taken to increase the number of transplants, as well as laws and rules about organ allocation.

FAQs

  1. When did the first heart and kidney transplants take place in Israel?
  2. What role does the National Transplant Center play in organ transplantation in Israel?
  3. What is the Matnat Chaim Organization and how has it contributed to organ transplantation in Israel?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about organ transplant is to closely follow post-transplant care instructions, including taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure the success of the transplant and prevent complications. It is also important for patients to communicate any changes in their health or concerns to their healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for organ transplant are those with end-stage organ failure, where other treatments have failed to improve their condition. Some common conditions that may necessitate organ transplant include:

  1. Chronic kidney disease: Patients with end-stage renal disease may require a kidney transplant to improve their quality of life and survival.

  2. Heart failure: Patients with severe heart failure that is not responsive to medications or other treatments may be candidates for a heart transplant.

  3. Liver disease: Patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure may require a liver transplant to prevent further complications and improve their prognosis.

  4. Lung disease: Patients with severe lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis, may be candidates for a lung transplant to improve their breathing and quality of life.

  5. Pancreatic disease: Patients with severe pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer may require a pancreas transplant to improve their insulin production and overall health.

  6. Bone marrow failure: Patients with certain blood disorders, such as leukemia or lymphoma, may require a bone marrow transplant to replace their diseased bone marrow with healthy donor cells.

Overall, organ transplant may be recommended for patients with end-stage organ failure who have exhausted other treatment options and have a good chance of benefiting from a transplant. Each patient is evaluated individually by a transplant team to determine their eligibility for a transplant and the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before an organ transplant, a patient typically undergoes a series of tests and evaluations to determine their eligibility for the procedure. This includes blood tests, imaging tests, and consultations with various specialists. Once a patient is deemed a suitable candidate for a transplant, they are placed on the waiting list for an organ.

After receiving an organ transplant, the patient will be closely monitored in the hospital for any signs of rejection or complications. They will need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ. Recovery time varies depending on the type of organ transplanted, but patients will need to follow a strict medication regimen and attend follow-up appointments with their transplant team.

Over time, patients can resume their normal activities and enjoy an improved quality of life thanks to their new organ. However, they will need to continue taking medications and receiving regular check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of the specific organ transplant I am considering?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the transplant surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what kind of post-transplant care will be required?

  4. How will the organ donor be selected and matched with me?

  5. What are the potential side effects of the medications I will need to take after the transplant?

  6. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the transplant, such as dietary restrictions or limitations on physical activity?

  7. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team after the surgery?

  8. What kind of support services are available for transplant patients, such as counseling or support groups?

  9. What is the long-term outlook for the transplanted organ and overall health after the surgery?

  10. Are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I need to follow to ensure the success of the transplant and my overall health?

Reference

Authors: Yussim A, Mor E. Journal: Harefuah. 2023 Nov;162(9):575-580. PMID: 37965853