Organ and tissue donation: an opportunity to save lives

Organ and tissue transplantation represents one of the greatest advances that medicine has achieved over the years. It is a surgical procedure that offers excellent results to improve or prolong a patient's quality of life. During a transplant, organs, tissues, and other anatomical components of a patient (recipient) are replaced by those of a living or cadaveric donor. 

Donation is a voluntary and altruistic act that has helped to save numerous lives around the world: each donor can save up to 8 lives and improve the quality of life of at least 75 people.

Who needs a transplant? 

People who suffer irreversible organ or tissue damage that can not be healed with any other medical treatment make transplantation the only option to improve their quality of life or prevent their death.

Which organs can be donated? 

• Heart

• Lungs

• Liver

• Kidneys

• Intestine

• Pancreas

Which tissues can be donated? 

• Corneas

• Skin

• Bones

• Bone marrow

• Blood vessels

• Heart valves

• Cartilage

• Tendons

• Sclera

• Amniotic membrane

Who can be an organ and tissue donor?

Everyone can be a donor.

What types of donors are there? 

There are two types of donors: living donors and deceased donors. The former donate while alive (kidney, segments of the pancreas or liver, blood cells), with prior consent after being informed of the risks associated with the procedure. The other type of donor is a person who has passed away, after the irreversible cessation of their cardiorespiratory functions or brain activity (brain and brainstem, known as brain death).

Is there a minimum or maximum age to be a donor? 

There is no age limit to be a donor. Minors can also be donors with their parent's consent.

Does the FCV perform transplants? 

the FCV has been a leader in solid organ transplantation in Santander and Colombia, being the most experienced center in Colombia running cardiac transplantation.

In addition, the FCV's specialized transplant service offers high-quality and integral management of kidney, liver, pancreas, and bone marrow transplants, the FCV has the necessary human and technological resources to perform these procedures 24 hours a day.