There are some risks associated with organ donation. These are outlined below.
Virus transmission
To reduce the risk of diseases and viruses being transmitted from an organ donor to a recipient, all potential organ donors have a sample of their blood taken. The blood is tested for:
- HIV, which is an incurable virus that attacks the immune system (the body’s natural defence against illness and infection). HIV is spread through the bodily fluids, such as blood or semen, of an infected person.
- Hepatitis, which is a virus that causes inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Hepatitis can be passed on through bodily fluids, such as semen, blood and saliva.
Immunosuppressant medication
Most people do not experience any physical problems after receiving a transplanted organ.
However, after the operation you will have to take immunosuppressant medication to prevent your body rejecting the new organ. Without this medication, your body will try to reject the donated organ.
Immunosuppressants work by suppressing (controlling) your immune system, which allows your body to accept the donated organ. However, you will need to take immunosuppressants for the rest of your life. Immunosuppressants have side effects, including:
- an increased risk of developing some types of cancer
- an increased risk of developing infections
Following an organ donation, the side effects that you will experience will depend on the type of immunosuppressant medication and the dosage that you require. You should discuss the potential side effects of immunosuppressants with your surgeon or transplant team.
Other risks
The donor may also experience prolonged wound pain after the donation operation.
Depression and anxiety are also common. There is a risk of a number of long-term complications relating to specific donated organs.
There are ethical questions regarding live organ donation. If more people donated organs after their death it would not be necessary to use live donors. There are also concerns about the possibility of pressure being put on people to donate to a family member.
