Transplantation activities in Iran.

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Transplant Surgery
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Iran boasts a rich medical history, with early advancements in higher education and surgical practices.
• The country's transplantation journey mirrors global trends, with a notable lag but consistent progress.

Observation:

• Modern organ transplantation in Iran began with cornea transplants in 1935.
• Significant milestones include the first kidney transplant in 1968 and advancements in heart, liver, lung, and bone marrow transplants since the 1990s.
• The Organ Transplantation Brain Death Act of 2000 and the establishment of the Iranian Network for Transplantation Organ Procurement accelerated transplant programs.

Findings:

• By 2003, Iran had established numerous transplant centers and performed thousands of procedures across various organs.
• Living-unrelated donors constitute the primary source of organ donations (82%).
• High survival rates were reported, with 3-year renal transplant patient survival at 92.9% and 40-month graft survival at 85.9%.

Implications:

• The development of transplant medicine in Iran signifies a growing capacity for complex medical procedures.
• The upcoming Avi-Cenna Transplant Hospital is poised to enhance regional cooperation and organ sharing.
• Iran's advancements position it as a key player in transplant medicine within the Middle East.