Work-load generated by the establishment of a non-heart beating kidney transplant programme

Abstract

Abstract The work-load generated by a non-heart-beating donor (NHBD) kidney transplant programme over a 3year period is reported. A total of 73 referrals were made, 64 from the Accident department and 9 from the wards. Organ procurement was performed in 24 cases (33 %) and resulted in the retrieval of 44 kidneys. Reasons for failure to achieve organ procurement were: refused consent (n = 13; 18 %), relatives unavailable to ask for consent (n = 9; 12 %), technical problems with catheter insertion or perfusion (n= 10; 14 %), transplant staff unavailable (n = 1; 1 %), long asystolic period (n = 8; 11 %) and donor unsuitable for other reasons (n= 8; 11 %). Of the 44 kidneys retrieved, 30 were transplanted locally, 8 were transplanted at other United Kingdom centres and 6 were discarded. Locally transplanted NHBD kidneys represented 21 % of the total transplant programme during the time period under study. We conclude that NHBD kidneys are a good source of additional organs for transplantation, but only one-third of referrals result in a successful procurement procedure. Moreover, the setting up of a successful programme is labour-intensive and requires a highly committed staff.