What is Organ Transplantation?
Transplantation is the moving of a tissue or organ from one body to another (or from a donor site on the patient's own body), for the purpose of replacing the recipient's damaged or failing organ with a working one from the donor site as a treatment option. It can be done by operation or other ways.
Organ transplantation can be called one of the great improvements in modern medicine. However, the need for organ donors is much higher than the number of people who donate in reality.

History of Organ Transplantation in Turkey
First successful organ transplantation has been performed by Haberal and his team as kidney transplantation from mother to her son on 3rd of November 1975 in Hacettepe University Hospital. In 1979 National Organ Transplant Act numbered 2238 about "TAKING, STORING AND TRANSPLANTATION OF ORGANS AND TISSUES" has been effectuated and it has been provided legal framework of organ transplantation. One month after this legislative regulation, the first kidney transplantation from cadaver has been performed. In 1990 liver transplantation between relatives has been performed firstly in Europe and Worldwide respectively. Up to date approximately 4800 kidneys, 320 livers, 75 hearth, 1 pancreas, 6000 corneas, and 600 bone marrow transplantations have been performed in our country.

Why is it Necessary?
By means of organ transplantation lifespan becomes longer and life quality increases with having lower cost comparing the treatment used for end stage organ deficiencies such as dialysis. Therefore organ donation is an important contribution to humanity not only in health outcomes but also in economic consequences for all countries. Additionally patients dependency decreases and loss of workforce becomes the benefit.

When is it Necessary?

Organ transplantation is a necessary treatment when the organs become dysfunctional and there is no other medical treatment except transplantation. Currently it is the only treatment to cure patients having chronic and irreversible damage in their organs. 

First Successful Organ Transplantations in Turkey

In 1975 –Kidney transplantation from live donor
In 1978 - Kidney transplantation from cadaver
In 1988 - Liver transplantation from cadaver
In 1989 – First successful heart transplantation
In 1990 – Partial liver transplantation from relative
In1991 – Heart valve transplantation
In 1998 – Liver transplantation from cadaver for 2 patients
In 1979 National Organ Transplant Act numbered 2238 about "TAKING, STORING AND TRANSPLANTATION OF ORGANS AND TISSUES" has been effectuated and it was amended in 1982.