Preoperative Arrangements for Organ Donation

Abstract

Background: Having arrived at the donor hospital, the procurement team has to observe a prescribed protocol in organ procurement. First, the TC should introduce the surgeons to the operating room personnel. One of the surgeons has to check, together with scrub nurse(s), the readiness of the operating room (OR) and explain the operating technique. In the meantime, the senior surgeon verifies the donor chart together with the transplant coordinator. Realization of all the above named tasks will allow transfer of the donor from ICU to the OR, to move him onto the operating table, and to start all preoperative preparations such a positioning, shaving, scrubbing, draping, and abdominal retractor installation.

Conclusion: A pleasant working atmosphere, good planning, professionalism, and finally very good communication skills between the OR members who are involved in organ procurement are necessary to avoid friction, quarrels, misunderstandings, and medical mistakes before and during preoperative arrangements for multiorgan procurement.