Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Transplantation is a surgical procedure in which an organ/s, tissue or group of cells are removed from one person (the donor) and transplanted into another person (the recipient), or moved from one site to another in the same person.
  • A skin graft is a common example of a transplant from one part of a person’s body to another part.
  • A transplant between two people can cause a rejection process where the immune system of the recipient or host attacks the foreign donor organ or tissue and destroys it.
  • To reduce the risk of rejection of the donated organ/s, the recipient will likely need to take immunosuppressive medication for the rest of their life.
  • Many different types of organs, tissue, and cells can be transplanted.
  • The approach to different types of transplantation varies greatly, so you should speak with your medical team about surgical procedures, recovery and medications.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 18-01-2023