Kidneys Matter: Unraveling Germany's Transplant Journey
Present Times
Essential Organ in High Demand in Germany
Every year, over 2000 kidney transplants are performed in Germany. Unfortunately, more than 6000 people find themselves on the waiting list, and not all make it past the long wait Facebook|Twitter|Whatsapp|E-Mail|Print|Link
Bettina's Story
Bettina Lange from Brandenburg's Brieselang is one of the many who received hope in the form of a kidney transplant. Her husband, who donated to her, changed her life. Back in 2009, she had been battling kidney disease for decades and was already on dialysis. The process took a toll on her health, making her feel poorly at times.
The Need for a Foreign Kidney
Kidney transplantation became the only viable option for people like Bettina. Dialysis isn't a perfect replacement for the body's own kidney function, so the health of those affected gradually worsens. A foreign kidney became the most needed organ in Germany.
An Eye on the Past
Kidney transplants have a rich history in Germany. On June 17, 1950, in a small hospital in a Chicago suburb, the world's first successful human-to-human kidney transplant was performed. It was short-lived - only ten months before it had to be removed as the body rejected it. The pioneering surgeon Richard H. Lawler never ventured into this field again Knowledge
In Germany, the first kidney transplant was carried out in 1963. Though the recipient didn't survive for long, success followed six months later with a 25-year-old who received a donation from her mother. Panorama
Getting a New Kidney
Patients have a chance to receive a kidney from a healthy partner, close relative, or friend who volunteers to donate. People in high places, like Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have taken this route for loved ones.
Preparation for a transplant usually takes around a year, ensuring the organ matches the recipient's body values. Transplant recipients have to take strong medications to keep their immune system in check and prevent rejection. They should also pay attention to their diet and avoid certain foods.
Organs from the Departed
Most dialysis patients rely on the organs of the deceased. In 2024, about one-third of kidney transplants came from living donors while the remaining were taken from deceased donors.
Germany ranks low in the European comparison of donation eagerness with around 11.4 donors per million inhabitants. Portugal and Spain, however, boast values of approximately three times and four times higher.
Almost 6400 patients were on the waiting list for a new kidney at the end of 2024, and some doctors estimate the real need to be much higher. The waiting time between the start of dialysis and the operation varies greatly, with estimates ranging from seven years for those aged 18 to 64.
A Bolder Approach
Germany's organ donation policy remains opt-in, meaning organ removal is only allowed with explicit consent. Some parts of politics and society support an opt-out system, where everyone is considered an organ donor unless they opt out Panorama
Guido Lambrecht, a resident of Chemnitz who has lived with three kidneys, reflects on his years on the waiting list. From 24 to 57, he's undergone three transplants - each one a beacon of hope. Despite the long wait times, he has managed to hold his ground, viewing each step as a necessity.
A Positive Outlook
Germany continues to strive for advancements in organ transplantation and kidney care. With ongoing efforts to raise awareness, invest in research, and refine healthcare practices, the future of transplantation in Germany shines bright.
- The community policy on organ donation in Germany remains opt-in, meaning organ removal is only allowed with explicit consent.
- It's important for transplant recipients to maintain a health-and-wellness routine, which includes fitness-and-exercise, mental-health care, skin-care, and a balanced nutrition to support their recovery.
- In the field of medical-conditions related to kidneys, chronic-diseases, respiratory-conditions, eye-health, and hearing are some areas where further research and vocational training could prove beneficial.
- Kidney transplants have a long history, with the first successful human-to-human kidney transplant happening in a small hospital in a Chicago suburb on June 17, 1950.
- Cancer is one of the many conditions that can lead to kidney failure, making it crucial to invest in research for cancer treatments and prevention methods.
- Cardiovascular-health is a significant factor in determining eligibility for kidney transplants and post-transplant outcomes.
- Besides the traditional donation methods, there's ongoing research into alternative sources for organs, such as 3D-printed organs and stem cell technology for regenerative medicines, providing new possibilities for kidney transplants.
