Angie's LIST Guide to
Transplant surgery

Before patients can receive donated organs, they're placed on an organ transplant waiting list. First, though, a patient must meet with a transplant team, a team of surgeons and nurses that will evaluate the patient's health and mental well-being. Because donated organs are in short supply, the team will choose only organ recipients who they have reason to believe will take care of their new organs. Patients who are unwilling to give up dangerous habits, such as drug abuse, will often not be placed on organ transplant waiting lists.

Once an organ becomes available, local transplant teams with patients in need of compatible organs are notified immediately. If the transplant team decides that the organ is suitable and the patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery, they will accept the organ. The organ must then be removed from the donor and transplanted as soon as possible.

After the surgery, there is a real risk that the patient's body and immune system will reject the foreign organ. Because of this, the patient receives anti-rejection medication immediately. Transplant patients will typically need to take these injections for the rest of their lives.

Many transplant patients will need to alter their lifestyles as well. They will need to work hard to do everything in their power to live a healthy life. This often means that they should avoid alcohol and drugs, including nicotine, as these can put undue strain on the donated organ. Transplant patients should also stick to a healthy diet and, if their doctors recommend it, a moderate exercise routine. Regular checkups are usually required to make sure that the organ is still working properly.