Organ transplant Surgery

Introduction and Statement of Purpose

Organ transplant surgery is defined as "the replacement of a diseased organ or tissue with a healthy, living substitute ...usually taken from a person who has just died" (Clayman, 1989, p. 1005). In the United States, about one-third of all transplanted kidneys are taken from living relatives of the patient (Clayman, 1989). Organ transplants are relatively new in medicine, but have come to constitute a major area of surgical practice used in treating a wide range and variety of presenting problems and conditions.

Clayman (1989) identified several factors that have contributed to the upsurge in successful organ transplants. Among these are: 1) the development of effective immunosuppressant drugs (e.g., cyclosporine) that reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ; 2) steady improvements in techniques for matching donors and recipients; and 3) development of enhanced techniques for preservation of donor organs after surgical removal. Because of these advances, more and more organ transplants are being performed today than ever before with higher success rates (measured as lower levels of rejection after implantation) (Clayman, 1989). This report will examine the history and current state of organ transplant practice in the United States. It will draw upon the relevant scientific literature to describe a steady increase in both the number of such transplants and the aforementioned improvements in transplant success rat

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nited States. Other data reported by Wright (1998) include: . 12,138 kidney transplants at $116,000 per transplant . 4,145 liver transplants at $314,000 per transplant . 930 lung transplants at $266,000 per transplant. Wright (1998) has commented that the increase in transplant operations over time is due to improved techniques in medical practice as well as increased volunteerism in terms of post-death organ donation. Problems Impacting on Transplants: Issues of Supply and Demand Kurtz and Saks (1996) have pointed out that despite overwhelming public support for organ donation, the gaps between the supply of organs and the demands for organs continues to widen. These researchers note that between 1988 and 1994, the supply of kidneys available from both living and deceased donors rose from 5,691 to 7,721 at a rate of 36 percent, while the number of people waiting for kidneys at the end of 1994 rose by 97 percent, from 13,943 to 27,498. Additionally, the number of people waiting for livers increased over 500 percent between 1988 and 1994, while the waiting list for hearts rose over 200 percent during the same period. Kurtz and Saks (1996) believe that the increase in the number of persons waiting for organs is i

Category: Medical - O