A retrospective analysis of factors influencing the selective retrieval of organs and tissues from brain-dead donors at an Armed Forces organ transplant center in India

The organs and tissues from a single brain-dead donor can significantly impact and extend the lives of many recipients. A single organ donor can save eight lives by donating vital organs and can improve the quality of life of many more, as donated tissues can be processed into different shapes and sizes for various medical uses. Organs that can be donated include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. Tissues that can be donated include heart valves, bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, and corneas. However, it has been observed that not all viable organs and tissues are retrieved from brain-dead patients, even when next of kin have consented for donation, leading to avoidable wastage. This retrospective analysis aims to assess the reasons for retrieving certain organs while declining others from brain-dead donors at an Armed Forces organ transplant center in India.