International Kidney Transplant Operation Unites Israel and Cyprus
In a groundbreaking international kidney transplant operation, hospitals in Israel and Cyprus collaborated this week to save lives through a complex cross-border procedure. The operation involved a couple from Dimona, Israel, whose kidney transplant needs were met through a cross-country crossover program. Initially, the husband’s kidney was unsuitable for his wife, prompting a series of exchanges that ensured both received compatible organs.
The intricate operation commenced early Monday morning and concluded in the evening, with kidneys being transported between hospitals via ambulance and air. In total, five kidney salvage surgeries and five transplants were performed across multiple hospitals, including Soroka and Hadassah in Israel, and hospitals in Cyprus. Dr. Hadar Merhav, a senior transplant specialist at Soroka, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "The cooperation proves that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
The success of this operation highlights the potential of cross-border transplant systems to address the pressing need for organ donations, even when direct matches are unavailable. Dr. Abd Halaila from Hadassah noted the altruism displayed by donors, including those who donated kidneys to strangers, showcasing the spirit of giving that transcends borders.
At the conclusion of the operation, all patients involved were reported to be in good condition, with functioning kidneys that promise to enhance their quality of life significantly.
- The operation was not only a medical achievement but also a testament to the power of community and altruism. Altruistic donors like Yaarit Ashhar Shir and Gilat Goldberg highlighted the importance of organ donation, sharing their personal motivations for contributing to this life-saving cause. Ashhar, who had lost a family member to violence, felt compelled to give back, stating, "It was clear to me that I would implement my donation as well, and add life to the world." Goldberg echoed similar sentiments, expressing her desire to make a positive impact. "I knew that the kidney that I would donate could go to any person, regardless of who he was," she said. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the human capacity for compassion and the importance of organ donation in saving lives.
