2023 annual figures: slightly more transplants and shorter waiting times

In 2023, more people donated organs after death compared to last year, and a total of 1,417 patients were helped with an organ transplant.

In 2023, 292 people donated their organs for transplantation after death, an increase of 2.5% compared to 2022. In addition, 533 people donated an organ while living. In total, 1,417 patients were helped with an organ transplant. The Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS) observes that sick patients have to wait less time for a donor organ.

Director Naomi Nathan: 'We see that more patients can get a spot on the waiting list without the waiting time increasing. And that is good news. Because this means more patients can be helped with a life-saving organ transplant.'

For instance, the (median) waiting time for kidney patients on the active waiting list decreased from 29 months in 2022 to 27 months in 2023. The waiting time for other organs also decreased between 2022 and 2023. Seriously ill patients thus gain perspective sooner. Although the waiting time for all organs decreased, some patients still wait a long time, for example because they have a rare blood type.

Waiting list: shorter or longer?

The waiting time is therefore becoming slightly shorter, but despite more transplants, the waiting lists are not decreasing for all organs. This is due, for example, to a higher and earlier influx of patients onto those waiting lists. When a waiting list decreases, doctors may decide to broaden the national criteria for a waiting list. This allows patients with other conditions to become eligible for transplantation, or allows patients to be placed on the waiting list sooner. Nathan: 'Patients now have a better chance of receiving a donor organ. Or they get on the waiting list faster than before, meaning they are seriously ill for less time. And that is what it's all about. We are immensely grateful to all donors and their surviving relatives.'

On the waiting list for a donor organ: what are the factors?

Living donation

In 2023, 533 people donated an organ while living: 504 times a kidney and 29 times a part of their liver. In the case of a liver donation from a living donor, a child (0-15 years) is often the recipient; 21 of the 29 recipients in 2023 were children. In living donation, the donor is often a family member.

Tissue donation: thousands helped

In 2023, 2,543 people donated one or more tissues after death. Tissue transplantation provides a significant improvement in quality of life. For example, donor skin is used for burns and other wounds that are difficult to heal. A heart valve may be needed for babies with a heart defect or for adults who urgently need a new heart valve. A heart valve ensures that blood flows in the right direction in the heart.

There were 1,947 corneal transplants performed. This is a small increase compared to 2022 (1,909 times). A heart valve transplant took place 128 times in 2023. With bone tissue and skin tissue, one donor can help multiple recipients. These transplants took place frequently. The waiting lists for tissue are stable; supply and demand are in balance.