Research Article 2026-04-22 under-review v1

Travel for Translantation; Framework and Experience of Living Donor Liver Transplantation against Organ Trafficking

T
Tonguç Utku YILMAZ Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital
A
Ali OZER Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital
Ö
Ömer Faruk OZTURK Acıbadem University
M
Meltem Can GÜNER Acıbadem University
M
Murat YILDAR Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital
F
Fatih Oğuz ONDER Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital
V
Vildan ERTEKİN Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital
H
Hamdi KARAKAYALI Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital

Abstract

Background: Organ shortage, high medical costs, long waiting periods, and the absence of liver transplantation led individuals to seek other alternatives, including travel for transplantation. Although associated with several difficulties, travel for transplantation is a legal solution to this impossibility. This study aimed to present patients who travel to our center for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Acibadem Atakent Organ Transplantation Unit from November 2016 to November 2024 among patients who had traveled abroad. The framework, preoperative evaluation, and legal documents required for preventing organ trafficking were comprehensively explained. Data of patients’ country origins, demographic data, clinical findings, and infectious status were collected from hospital records. Mortality rates, postoperative complications, treatment options of biliary complications, and follow-up results were also gathered. Results: Overall, 243 patients traveled abroad from 38 different countries. Patients from the Middle East and Africa constituted 72% of all patients. Pediatric cases comprised 38% of all cases. The leading indication for pediatric liver transplantation was biliary atresia. The main indication for adult liver transplantation was non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Mean model for end-stage liver disease score was 19. The overall survival rate was 86% among all patients. Biliary complications were observed in 49 (20%) patients, all of whom were successfully treated. Conclusions: A well-structured framework for LDLT is effective in preventing organ trafficking. Following the guidelines of the Declaration of Istanbul and World Health Organization enhances the quality of healthcare in LDLT of patients who travel abroad.

Citation Information

@article{tonguutkuyilmaz2026,
  title={Travel for Translantation; Framework and Experience of Living Donor Liver Transplantation against Organ Trafficking},
  author={Tonguç Utku YILMAZ and Ali OZER and Ömer Faruk OZTURK and Meltem Can GÜNER and Murat YILDAR and Fatih Oğuz ONDER and Vildan ERTEKİN and Hamdi KARAKAYALI},
  journal={BMC Surgery},
  year={2026},
  doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9120224/v1}
}
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