Psychosocial and Ethical Implications of Organ Retrieval
- 1 August 1985
- journal article
- Published by Massachusetts Medical Society in New England Journal of Medicine
- Vol. 313 (5), 321-324
- https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm198508013130510
Abstract
With the development of new surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs, the demand for organs and donors has outpaced the supply, despite widespread legal recognition of brain death.1 2 3 4 5 6 According to a 1982 estimate, "out of some 20,000 potential donors — young or middle-aged patients classified as brain dead — only 2500 actually gave their organs."1 Although many explanations have been offered for this phenomenon, little attention has been given to the disturbing effects of organ-retrieval surgery on staff members in the intensive care unit and operating room — the health professionals who are most involved. Underlying the disturbance felt by staff . . .Keywords
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