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Updated: May 8, 2026

Heterotopic Renal Autotransplantation in a Porcine Model: A Step-by-Step Protocol
Published on: February 21, 2016
[Kidney transplantation from donors dying of methanol intoxication]
1Chirugická klinika FN Ostrava a Lékaiská fakulta Ostravské univerzity. gunka@email.cz
Introduction:
Intoxicated patients represent only a minimum of the total number of cadaveric donors; however, their significance within the transplant program in the Czech Republic has recently been emphasized in connection with the so-called methanol affair.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective analysis of methanol-poisoned patients who were declared brain-dead and subsequently underwent organ removal for transplantation purposes in the University Hospital Ostrava was performed. In cooperation with other transplant centres (Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Transplant Centre of the University Hospital Hradec Kráilové, Centre for Cardiovascular and Transplantation Surgery in Brno) the graft function, postoperative morbidity and mortality was evaluated.
Results:
During the study period (since September 2012), organs from three brain-dead donors as a result of methanol intoxication were retrieved in the Transplant Centre of the University Hospital Ostrava. Subsequently, six kidneys were transplanted (3 males, 3 females). Postoperative complications occurred in two patients (33.3%), one patient died (16.7%). In one case (16.7%), the graft failed. None of the graft recipients developed clinical or laboratory signs of methanol poisoning.
Conclusion:
Death due to methanol intoxication is not a contraindication to organ donation, graft function and patient survival being comparable to organs from non-intoxicated donors.
Insights
Methanol intoxication does not preclude organ donation. Kidneys from deceased methanol-intoxicated donors showed comparable graft function and patient survival to those from non-intoxicated donors, supporting expanded donor criteria.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Organ Donation
Context:
- Intoxicated patients are a small fraction of cadaveric donors.
- The significance of intoxicated donors has increased due to the methanol poisoning incidents in the Czech Republic.
Purpose:
- To evaluate graft function, postoperative morbidity, and mortality in recipients of organs from methanol-intoxicated brain-dead donors.
- To determine if methanol intoxication is a contraindication for organ donation.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis was conducted on three brain-dead donors due to methanol intoxication.
- Six kidneys were transplanted, with two recipients experiencing complications (33.3%) and one death (16.7%).
- Graft failure occurred in one case (16.7%), but no recipients showed signs of methanol poisoning.
Impact:
- Organ donation following death from methanol intoxication is viable.
- Graft function and patient survival are comparable to organs from non-intoxicated donors.
- This study supports the expansion of donor criteria to include intoxicated individuals, potentially increasing organ availability for transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

