| Theme | Liver Transplantation -- Current Status and Perspective | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Current Status of Organ Transplantation in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2013/08 | |
| Author | Naotsugu Ichimaru | Department of Advanced Technology for Transplantation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author | Shiro Takahara | Department of Advanced Technology for Transplantation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | The revised organ transplant law allows transplants to be performed in the absence of prior written consent from donors if approval of the family is obtained. However, the number of organ transplants in Japan is still smaller than those carried out in Western countries. Liver transplant surgeons and other physicians must perform living liver transplants due to the small number of organs harvested from brain-dead donors. Ironically, split liver living transplant procedures and ABO incompatible living donor transplant procedures have progressed more in Japan than in other countries. Current topics concerning organ transplantation in Japan such as the Japan Society for Transplantation ethical guidelines, utilization of transplant coordinators and the certification system for transplant physicians are explained. |
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