Failed organs can sometimes be replaced. A transplant is the transfer of an organ, tissue, or cells from a donor to a recipient whose own organ has failed or is deficient.

Kidney, liver, heart, lung, and bone-marrow transplants are established life-saving procedures. Success depends on surgical technique, immunological matching, immunosuppression, and careful recipient selection. Living or deceased donors may be used depending on the organ. Rejection and infection are the major ongoing risks.

Organ shortage limits the number of transplants performed. Allocation systems attempt to balance urgency, equity, and utility. Long-term survivors require lifelong follow-up and medication adherence. Transplantation remains one of medicine’s most dramatic and resource-intensive therapies.

• Transfer of organ or tissue from donor to recipient
• Used when native organs have failed
• Requires matching, surgery, and immunosuppression
• Limited by donor availability and long-term risks