Could an organ be re-transplanted?

Question

I'm bored, and I was thinking. So here's my random question. Is it possible that an organ which had been transplanted into a patient (such as a kidney) could end up being re-transplanted on that persons death into someone else. Has this ever happened, maybe by accident? Just curious!

Answer 1

It is not likely that it would happen accidentally as the transplanted organ will ALWAYS show signs of having been surgically implanted in the first place. For example with the kidney, the transplant kidney is not actually put in the place of the host's kidney but usually placed in the pelvis.

A deliberate retransplant is also unlikely. In practical terms - whatever killed the old host (now potential donor) is possibly something that would prevent the organ from being transplanted and if the death was unrelated and the organ was in good shape there is still the issue of whether it would survive a second procedure of excision, preservations, implantation into a new host with a different immune system.

Answer 2

the organ cannot be retransplanted.

there is great risk involved just with the initial transplanting of the organ. things like making sure it's a match, risk of infection, and organ rejection all have to be considered.

the recipient of the initial transplant has to be on a very strict diet and take several pills daily to ward off rejection.

given the use the organ has been through, the risk of putting it along with the person who needs it through the surgical process isn't worth the risk.