Akademiska has the shortest organ – Enköping

"Uppsala is good because we have a population that is good at organ donation, we also have well-established routines for nurses and doctors, and our donation council can avoid potential organ donors." that we will find patients where it is possible with an organ donation, "said Helene Malm, head of transplantation at the University Hospital.

The university hospital has grafted more than 3,000 kidney failure patients since the 1960s. Last year, 112 kidneys were grafted into the Uppsala-Örebro care area.

Of these, 80 kidneys were from deceased patients who wore a respirator with severe brain injury and who died despite sustained breathing. 32 kidneys came from living people. Sweden is among the countries that have signed a United Nations declaration banning organ trading. Therefore, a living donor does not receive money, but is reimbursed for all costs related to the operation.

The waiting time for a new body is 12 to 14 months at the university hospital, which lasted a total of 120 different transplants, most of the kidney, but also the pancreas.

What problems can occur when a healthy person gives his kidney?

– The complications are very rare. We all examine carefully and only fully healthy can be considered. For example, such an intervention involves less risk than appendicitis. In the longer term, you can say that you are doing well with a kidney. But a sudden illness or accident can change the situation, "said Helene Malm.

Last year, 185 people died became organ donors in Sweden. This is the highest figure recorded so far, according to the National Board of Health. The 185 people contributed to 649 new organ and tissue transplants. However, even as the number of donors increases, the need for agencies is always high. Each year, about 30 people die while waiting for a donor.

There are three ways to communicate their attitude towards organ and tissue donation. One or the other can inform his close relatives by saying or writing how they wish. You can also fill out a donation card available in pharmacies or health centers. You can also register for the National Health Council Gift Registry.

Up to now, 16% of the population has registered their will in the donation register. This is the surest way to be honored after a death, as gift cards may disappear and messages to close relatives may be misunderstood.