“Kidney First” Retrieval: A Viable Concept for Emerging Transplant Centers

Abstract

To increase deceased donation in an organ-depleted country like India, improved understanding of the mechanisms influencing donor yield is important. Certain technical and emotional modifications in approach and methods can help in increasing donations. “Kidney first” retrieval in situations such as delay in heart/liver team’s arrival, diagnostic dilemma for quality of organ, or single surgeon for both kidney transplants can prove useful in optimizing donor maintenance quality and cost and minimizing cold ischemia time of the other kidney, without altering the structural viability of other organs. Early handover of the deceased body for cremation adds a positive perspective to the grieving family’s decision for consent. This approach can be safely suggested for emerging transplant centers yearning to increase their scope of organ transplantation amidst the constraints of time, expertise, logistics, and infrastructure.