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Organ donation and transplantation provide a life-saving therapy for patients with end stage organ failure. Nevertheless, there is a persistent shortage of donor organs, leading to long waiting times for a transplant. To combat waiting lists, we also accept sub-optimal donor organs, which can result in sub-optimal transplant results. We want to increase the number of available organs and optimize recipient selection to improve long term transplant outcomes.

Through clinical and experimental research, we continuously work to better identify new outcome-determining factors and improve the way we assess, preserve and transplant donor organs.

The division of Organ Donation an Transplantation is where experimental, translational and clinical research meet.

  • We scrutinise mechanisms of organ physiology from the molecular level to whole organs
  • Through ex vivo organ perfusion, we experiment with new ways to assess, preserve and resuscitate donor organs
  • We translate pre-clinical knowledge to clinical studies, to ultimately improve transplant outcome
Relevance

How our research benefits to society

Kidney transplantation saves lives

The UMCG is a transplant center by heart in which all solid organ transplantations are performed. The department of Transplant Surgery and Organ Donation has a high volume kidney transplant program and is thus one of the largest centers in the Netherlands. Patients with renal failure have only two options, dialysis or transplantation. Dialysis however is limited by the relatively short period (10-15 years) in which it can be performed. Kidney transplantation directly contributes to a better survival with less damage to the body and a significant increase in quality of life.
Innovative developments, such as machine perfusion, have contributed to better organ quality and subsequent transplant outcomes. The UMCG has been at the cradle of these developments and contributed to the national implementation of hypothermic machine perfusion.

Translational research

The UMCG transplant program has a strong translational character in close collaboration with the Surgical Research Laboratory and the Transplant Nephrology department.

Stepping stone for young talent

The department of Transplant Surgery and Organ Donation has been a great stepping stone for enthusiastic students and young talent to participate and develop themselves in performing basic and clinical science. The department is represented in several research institutes and supports pilot projects, science internships (stage wetenschap) and full PhD projects.

National involvement

The department has had a close relationship with the transplantation field for years. Through the Dutch (NTS) and European (ET) Transplantation Foundation we participate in national and international bodies involved in donation and transplantation policy. With this we deliver up-to-date information to provide the best care throughout the donation-transplantation chain.

Contact

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Surgery
PO Box 30.001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands

Visiting address
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Surgery
Hanzeplein 1
9713 GZ Groningen