Improving transplantation programs and patient care

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Transplantation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Organ transplantation is a vital replacement therapy with established survival rates for renal, liver, and heart grafts.
• Organ donation is a critical bottleneck, with high patient waiting lists and limited donor availability.
• The Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation (MESOT) region faces unique challenges impacting organ transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the factors affecting organ transplantation in the MESOT region.
• To explore existing organ donation and transplantation models within the MESOT region.
• To propose solutions for improving organ donation and transplantation outcomes in MESOT countries.

Main Methods:

• Review of factors influencing organ transplantation in the MESOT region.
• Analysis of existing organ donation and transplantation models (Saudi, Iranian, Pakistani).
• Identification of obstacles to cadaveric organ donation and living-organ donation practices.

Main Results:

• Key challenges include inadequate preventive medicine, fragmented health infrastructures, and low awareness of organ donation importance.
• Lack of team spirit among physicians, poor coordination in organ procurement, and insufficient health insurance coverage are significant barriers.
• Living-organ donation (kidney, partial liver) is prevalent, while cadaveric donation has untapped potential.

Conclusions:

• Addressing organ transplantation barriers in the MESOT region requires a multi-faceted approach.
• Enhancing organ donation necessitates continuous medical community efforts, public and religious support, and governmental assistance.
• Developing improved models by incorporating diverse experiences is crucial for overcoming current inadequacies in organ transplantation.