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It is when a person, of their own free will while alive, gives permission for their tissues and organs to be used for the treatment of other patients after their medical death.

It is the surgical transplantation of a new, healthy organ taken from a living donor or a cadaver to replace an organ in the body that cannot perform its function.

It is a process in which the functions of the entire brain, the cerebellum and the special brain region called the brainstem, where the vital centers are located, are irreversibly lost, resulting in definite death.

The concept of brain death is often confused with coma and vegetative state. In patients diagnosed with coma or a vegetative state, some brain functions are still working, and with medical support the patient may continue to live for years.

In brain death, however, no matter how much medical support is provided, the patient cannot survive and death occurs as soon as possible.

According to Law No. 2238, anyone over eighteen years of age who is of sound mind can donate all or part of their organs.

According to Law No. 2238 "On the Removal, Storage, Grafting and Transplantation of Organs and Tissues";
Article 14 - If a person, while healthy, has not stated in an official or written will that they leave their whole body or tissues for treatment, diagnosis and scientific purposes, or has not declared their wish on this matter in the presence of two witnesses, organs and tissues may be removed from the deceased with the consent, in this order, of the spouse, adult children, mother or father, or one of the siblings; if there are none of these, with the consent of any relative present. Unless a will to the contrary is presented, tissues that do not alter the body, such as the cornea, may be removed. If the deceased stated while alive that they were opposed to the removal of organs or tissues after their death, organs and tissues cannot be removed.

Most of the major religions approve of and support organ donation.

The Supreme Council of Religious Affairs of the Presidency of Religious Affairs declared, in its Decision No. 396 dated 6.3.1980, that organ transplantation is permissible.

According to this Decision, the following are required:
• The existence of a state of necessity, that is, a doctor whose professional competence and integrity can be trusted must determine that there is no other way to save the patient's life or a vital organ;
• The person from whom the tissue and organ will be taken must have died at the time the procedure is carried out;
• In order not to disturb public peace and order, the person whose organs and tissues will be taken must have given permission for this while alive, or, provided that there is no statement to the contrary made while alive, the consent of their relatives must be obtained;
• No fee may be charged in any way for the organ or tissue to be taken;
• The patient who is to be treated must also consent to the transplant to be performed on them.

The Holy Quran also declares:
"Whoever gives life to one person, it is as if they have given life to all people."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 32)

• At centers that perform organ transplants,
• At hospitals,
• At foundations, associations and similar organizations concerned with organ transplantation, organ donation can be arranged.

For organ donation,
it is sufficient to fill in and sign the organ donor card in the presence of two witnesses.
The suitability of the donated organ is investigated after brain death has occurred in the donor.

It is useful for people who donate organs to inform their families and close circle about this, in order to prevent problems that may arise later and because it will influence the decision-making process during the discussion held about their being a donor after brain death.

Patients who will receive organs are determined first by blood group compatibility and then by tissue group compatibility.

In addition to blood and tissue compatibility, the patient's medical urgency is taken into consideration.

No distinction is made on the basis of gender, race, religion, or wealth or poverty.

You will use medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive drugs) so that your body does not reject the transplanted kidney (rejection). The immune system is the body's defense system; it provides the body's resistance against disease-causing agents and is responsible for defending it. While immunosuppressive drugs prevent rejection of the kidney, they suppress and weaken the body's immune system and increase your body's susceptibility to infections.

Immunosuppressive agents used in organ transplantation:
• Calcineurin inhibitors
o Neoral-Sandimmun (Cyclosporine A)
o Prograf (Tacrolimus)

Other immunosuppressants
o CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF))
o Myfortic (Mycophenolate Sodium)
o Rapamune (Sirolimus)
o Certican (Everolimus)
o Imuran (Azathioprine)

Steroids
o Deltacortril (Prednisolone)

Other Medications That Suppress the Immune System
Your transplant doctors will decide which of these medications you will use after the transplant.
You need to learn the names and appearance of these medications, how many of each you will take per day, what each medication is for, and its side effects.
You will take these medications every day for as long as the transplanted kidney stays in your body. If you do not take them, your body may reject the transplanted kidney.
In the hospital, when you feel ready, the use and effects of the medications will be explained to you. You are expected to learn how to take your medications during your hospital stay. This program will increase your confidence before you are discharged.

The other medications you will take may be intended to prevent serious side effects of the immunosuppressive drugs or to treat your other health problems. It is very important for your health to take all recommended medications regularly.

It is your responsibility to know your medications and how to take them...
You must not receive live virus vaccines during this treatment.

Treatment and the medications used may differ for each patient according to their individual characteristics.