Known for its impressive achievements in organ transplants, Spain once again exceeded all expectations in 2023, becoming the only country in the world to have transplanted all possible organs.
Beyond the staggering statistics provided by Spain’s National Transplant Agency, Minister Mónica García highlighted the liberating effect on patients.
“We’re talking about fundamental changes in people’s lives,” she said, allowing patients to throw away their oxygen tanks, stop dialysis and restore some normalcy to their lives. Emphasized the steps.
record breaking numbers
In 2023, Spain recorded an impressive number of 5,861 transplants, an average of 16 per day, thanks to the dedicated efforts of 2,781 donors. This equates to 8 donors every day.
This achievement marks Spain’s remarkable 32 years of uninterrupted international leadership in organ transplantation.
Remarkably, these numbers are also above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a triumphant comeback for organ transplants.
Spain’s incredible success
The success of organ transplants in Spain is due to an intricate model that involves many medical professionals in the process.
Collaboration between intensivists and emergency physicians is critical given that only 1-2% of critically ill patients qualify as donors.
Furthermore, the Spanish model reflects a sense of solidarity, with 23 percent of transplants taking place in a region different from that of the donor.
But altruism plays a vital role, with 82 percent of families agreeing to organ donation from a deceased relative.
In Spain, an innovative approach to donations during cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating) accounts for 45% of all donations.
This method evolved into multiorgan transplantation due to the widespread adoption of complex organ preservation techniques in Spanish hospitals.
Changes in donor demographics
In 2023, only 4.7% of organ donations were due to road accidents in Spain, and cardiovascular accidents were the main cause of donor death.
Remarkably, more than half of the donors were over 60 years old, 30 percent were over 70 years old, and 5 percent were over 80 years old. Remarkably, the oldest donor in 2023 was a whopping 92 years old.
Top class in terms of organ types
Spain’s excellent performance in transplantation spans a variety of organ types, with kidney transplants being the most important, with a total of 3,688 surgeries performed in 2023, an 8% increase compared to the previous year.
Of note, 12% of kidney transplants involve a living donor and are on the rise, increasing by 24% in 2023.
Following kidney transplants, there were 1,262 liver transplants. During the year, 479 lung transplants, 325 heart transplants, 100 pancreas transplants, and 7 intestinal transplants were performed. Spain remains the only country in the world to have transplanted all possible organs.
Emergency cases and pediatric transplants
In 2023, 314 transplants were performed in high-priority life-threatening situations and 190 pediatric transplants were performed.
Despite Spain’s record numbers, waiting lists remain a challenge, with 4,794 patients currently needed, including 75 children. This situation highlights the need for more organ donors.
Samaritan Donors and Euthanasia
Spain’s organ donation situation also has unique aspects. The number of Samaritan donors selflessly donating their kidneys to strangers in need is on the rise, with seven such donations taking place in 2023.
In addition, Spain and Italy achieved international success in their second international organ transplant crossover involving three couples.
Another notable development is that 90 donors chose to donate their organs before undergoing euthanasia, and 249 patients have benefited since the law came into force.
Organ donation figures vary widely between autonomous communities in Spain. In Cantabria, Navarra and Murcia, the number of donors per million people exceeds 70, which is higher than the national average of 48.9.
Spain’s unparalleled success in organ transplantation continues to inspire the world, giving hope and new life to countless people in need.
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