In Israel it is a first, and according to physicians involved in organ transplants, it is indeed rare around the world as well. On Tuesday, a kidney was transplanted into a 19-year-old Galil resident by a team in Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. Six months ago, the youth received a liver as well, both organs coming from his 47-year-old father.

As a result of a genetic disorder in which his liver lacked enzymes, the organ ceased functioning and it also damaged his kidneys, requiring the transplants. Doctors explain if left alone, the diseased liver would have destroyed other vital organs as well.

The time period between the two transplants permitted the father, Hasnin Ata, to fully recuperate. Now, he was strong enough to donate a lobe of his liver.

Prof. Eitan Mor, who heads Beilinson’s transplant department explained on Tuesday that to date, patients received multiple organs from deceased donors, and now, he is hopeful this case may prompt other families to follow suit towards reducing the number of patients awaiting organ donors.

Mor added that the fact the organs come from his biological father significantly increase the chance of success since the body is less likely to encounter severe rejection of the organs involved.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)