Selection and management of the brain dead donor for liver and kidney transplantation

The passing of brain death legislation by the Indian Parliament in June 1994 has paved the way for the commencement of cadaveric organ transplant programmes in India. The medical profession must develop a code of practice that is legally, medically and ethically acceptable. Once established, adherence to the policy and procedures is mandatory or transplantation in India will fall into disrepute at home and abroad. Donor selection and management is an integral part of the transplant process. The final result of transplantation can only be as good as the quality of the organ transplanted. The key elements of the selection criteria and management of the donor after the determination of brain death are outlined in this article.