A cadaveric kidney transplant is the process of transplanting a kidney taken from a deceased donor to a patient on the cadaver waiting list who suffers from chronic renal failure. The primary goal in increasing the number of solid organ transplants should be to enhance the number of transplants from cadaveric donors.

Conditions for Organ Donation from Cadavers

• Brain death must have occurred under intensive care conditions and be certified by a medical board of specialists.
• The donor must not have any kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, or active infection.
• Even if a donor declared organ donation while alive, their organs cannot be taken without the approval of their legal heirs.

Registration on the Cadaveric Waiting List

Patients wishing to receive a cadaveric kidney transplant must apply to a Transplantation Center in advance. During evaluation, their medical data, blood type and tissue group characteristics are recorded digitally to determine compatibility.

Kidney allocation is conducted by the National Coordination Center (NCC) according to matches and scores determined through the National Organ Transplant Waiting List. Factors such as blood type, tissue compatibility, age, dialysis duration, and waiting period are decisive in selecting the recipient. The kidney is sent to the center with the most suitable patient in the region where the organ was procured.

When a cadaveric kidney becomes available, the top five patients on the Ministry of Health’s priority list are called to the Transplantation Center. Their health and surgical suitability are assessed, and cross-match tests are performed to check for immune reactions between donor and recipient. Since compatibility issues or medical complications may prevent transplantation, several patients are called simultaneously.

If a transplant cannot be performed on the first patient, the next ones on the list are evaluated. In every case, the Transplantation Center must report reasons for any missed transplant opportunity to the Ministry of Health, ensuring that no preferential treatment occurs during organ allocation.

Steps to Register for the Cadaver Waiting List

To be added to the national waiting list, patients must meet with a Transplant Coordinator at an approved center. Bringing identification, blood type documentation, and recent medical reports (such as epicrisis) will expedite the process.

After initial evaluations, the patient undergoes advanced testing and consultations with specialists from different fields. Following nephrology examinations, tissue typing, and Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA) tests, the case is reviewed at the Transplantation Council. If suitable, the patient is added to the Ministry of Health National Waiting List.

While waiting, patients must attend regular check-ups and report any changes in health to the Transplant Coordinator. These may include hospitalizations, infections, blood transfusions, or contact information updates. Transplantation teams operate under the principle of “the right kidney for the right patient under optimal conditions.”

Patients Must Notify the Transplantation Center If:

• They are hospitalized or treated for any condition
• They experience any infectious disease
• They receive blood or blood products
• Their address or phone number changes
• They will be out of town for an extended period

When You Are Called for a Cadaveric Kidney Transplant

• Arrive at the transplantation center as soon as possible.
• Do not eat or drink after being notified.
• Bring your identification and social security documents.
• Bring your medications and recent medical tests, if available.

Being called for transplantation does not guarantee that the kidney will be transplanted. The operation will proceed only if you are medically suitable and ranked appropriately on the National Organ Transplant Waiting List.

Changing Transplant Centers

Patients can be registered on the National Waiting List through only one center but are free to change this at any time. To transfer registration, patients should contact the Transplant Coordinator of the desired center, submit a written petition, and notify the Ministry of Health. The ministry will update the patient’s registration accordingly.

Organ Donation While Alive

Organ donation is a medical procedure based entirely on voluntary consent. In Turkey, brain deaths are monitored by the National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Coordination Center. Once brain death is confirmed, the hospital’s Transplant Coordinator meets with the family to obtain donation approval.

After the family’s consent, the donor candidate undergoes blood tests and imaging to ensure eligibility. If suitable, the organs are transplanted to patients, giving them a new chance at life.

Anyone over the age of 18 and of sound mind may become an organ donor. Individuals may register by applying to Transplant Coordinators in state or private hospitals, provincial health directorates, or health centers. Upon completing the donor form, the donor receives an organ donation card and their data are securely recorded in the Organ and Tissue Donation Information System of the Ministry of Health.

However, the donation card alone does not authorize organ removal. The final decision always rests with the donor’s family. The presence of a donor card often helps families make decisions more easily, as it serves as a symbolic will of the deceased.

Donors can withdraw their consent at any time by notifying the same institutions. The Organ Donation Week, celebrated annually in Turkey from November 3–9, aims to raise awareness about this crucial issue.

Despite awareness efforts, the number of cadaveric donors in Turkey remains low, resulting in long waiting lists. Therefore, living donor kidney transplantation continues to be the most effective and accessible treatment alternative.