When we talk about donation, we often think about organs such as the heart, liver or kidneys. But tissues can also be donated after death, helping people recover from serious injuries and medical conditions.

Tissue donation is carried out by trained medical professionals with great care and respect for the donor.

What Happens After Death?

If a person has expressed a wish to donate tissues, or the family agrees to donation, the tissue bank or authorized medical team is contacted as soon as possible.

The medical team first reviews the person’s medical history and carries out the necessary checks to determine which tissues may be suitable for donation.

Which Tissues Can Be Donated?

Depending on the donor’s medical condition and the requirements of the tissue bank, tissues may include:

>Corneas – to help restore sight
>Skin – particularly for patients with severe burns
>Bone and tendons – for reconstructive and orthopedic procedures
>Heart valves – for certain heart conditions
>Blood vessels – for some vascular and cardiac procedures

Not every donor will be suitable for every type of tissue. Medical specialists make that decision after death.

Is the Body Disfigured?

No. Tissue recovery is performed surgically and respectfully. The body is carefully restored afterwards, allowing families to proceed with their funeral and religious ceremonies as planned.

The process is carried out with the same dignity and respect given to every donor.

What Happens to the Donated Tissue?

Unlike some organs, certain tissues can be processed, preserved and stored in specialized tissue banks. They are then provided to hospitals and surgeons when a suitable patient needs them.

This means that one donor’s tissues may help several people, sometimes even long after the donation has taken place.

A Gift That Helps People Heal

Organ donation can save a life. Tissue donation can help restore a life.

Someone may see again because of donated corneal tissue, recover from a serious burn with donated skin, or regain movement with donated bone or tendons.

One decision can help many people heal, recover and live with greater hope.