Doctors estimate that around 800 organ transplant operations are carried out in Russia each year. But that is less than a fifth of the number needed. The life-saving treatment is being hampered by a shortage of organs. Rumours of a black market in kidneys

Scandals are likely to further undermine public confidence.

A few years ago, four Moscow doctors were accused of harvesting organs from a donor who was still alive.

Though they were completely cleared, trust in the profession was badly damaged, and donor numbers dropped dramatically.

Surgeon Mikhail Kaabak says public awareness is the main problem.

“The main obstacle is public attitude to organ donation after death. We are trying to change this attitude but we’re not doing enough. We need more contact with the public through the mass media or any other way,” Kaabak said.

It is illegal to sell organs in Russia. But a simple internet search shows pages and pages of potential donors asking as much as 100,000 euros for a kidney.

Doctors insist that strict regulations mean Russian citizens never receive illegally harvested organs.

At the Russian Research Centre of Surgery, the positive side of the practice can be clearly seen.

Doctors are preparing a young mother to donate one of her kidneys to her eight-year-old daughter Masha.

Just 48 hours later, Masha is able to play with her dolls again. If her body accepts the kidney, it could mean an end to the countless sessions of painful dialysis treatment.