Living donors are individuals who donate an organ or tissue while still alive. The pronunciation of "living donors" uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as "ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈdəʊnəz". The first syllable is pronounced as "liv" with the short "i" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced as "ing" with a long "i". The stress is placed on the first syllable, which is emphasized in the IPA transcription with a vertical line before the "liv". The second word, "donors", is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by an "uh" sound, and ending with a soft "s" sound.
Living donors, also known as voluntary or altruistic donors, refer to individuals who voluntarily offer one of their organs or tissues for transplantation to another person suffering from a medical condition or organ failure. Unlike deceased donors, who donate their organs posthumously, living donors undergo a surgical procedure where a healthy organ or tissue is surgically removed to be transplanted into the recipient's body.
Living donors can provide organs such as kidneys, livers, lungs, and segments of intestines, as well as tissues like bone marrow and blood cells. The most common type of living donation is kidney transplantation, where a healthy kidney from the donor is transplanted into the recipient's body to replace their failing kidney. Other living donor transplant surgeries may require a partial organ or tissue removal, permitting both the donor and recipient to retain a functional organ or tissue post-surgery.
Living organ donation offers several advantages compared to deceased organ donation. It allows for pre-transplantation testing to ensure compatibility and reduce potential risks, while also potentially improving the long-term outcomes for the recipient. Moreover, living donation can significantly decrease the waiting time for organs, as deceased donor organs are often in short supply. Additionally, living donors experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in positively impacting another person's life.
Strict medical and ethical guidelines are followed to ensure the well-being of the living donor, requiring thorough evaluation and informed consent to reduce potential risks. Medical professionals closely monitor the donor throughout the process, providing comprehensive care to mitigate any complications and ensure their recovery after the surgical procedure.
The term "Living Donors" does not have a specific etymology, as it consists of two separate words. However, we can discuss the origins of each individual word.
1. Living: The word "living" comes from the Old English word "lifigende", which means "having life" or "alive". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "libēn", meaning "to be alive". Over time, it evolved into "līf" in Old English and finally became "living" in Modern English. In the context of "Living Donors", the word refers to individuals who are alive and capable of donating an organ.
2. Donors: The word "donor" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "donare", which means "to give as a gift" or "to present".