Surgeons in Thessaloniki marked the start of 2026 inside the operating room as they carried out critical transplant procedures for 3 patients. A 44 year old man who died from cerebral hemorrhage became the donor after his family consented to organ donation. His contribution allowed the medical teams at Ippokrateio Hospital to move swiftly through the night.
A 50 year old patient received the donor’s liver during the New Year transition. Compatibility testing for the donor’s 2 kidneys is continuing so specialists can determine the most suitable recipients. Hospital staff coordinated closely with the National Transplant Organization to ensure the process advanced without delays.
Giorgos Papatheodoridis, president of the National Transplant Organization, said the country concluded 2025 with a record 35 donors. He noted that the first operation of 2026 highlighted the dedication of the medical teams involved. His remarks underscored the national significance of the days work.
Organ retrieval took place in the early hours at Agios Dimitrios Hospital where the donor had been treated. Giorgos Dontsios, president of the workers at Ippokrateio Hospital, confirmed that surgeons extracted 1 liver and 2 kidneys. His statement added that the liver transplant had already been underway for 3 hours by the time he spoke.
Doctors continued working through the holiday period to finalize all procedures and assess kidney compatibility for the remaining recipients. Their efforts reinforced the ongoing need for organ donation and highlighted the impact of one familys decision to offer the gift of life.
