Protocolos clínicos de actuación ante el proceso de donación y extracción de órganos y tejidos para trasplante en donación en muerte encefálica

Abstract

The process of organ and tissue donation has to be standardized to maximize results. Donor detection takes place mainly in Intensive care units, emergency areas and neurology wards. The most common etiology of encephalic death is acute stroke. Donor management occurs in intensive care units. Encephalic death promotes physiopathological changes that need constant and intensive correction, such as hemodynamic unstability, loss of regular breathing, hypothermia and an array of changes in the hormone and electrolyte level. According to the Spanish legislation, the diagnosis of encephalic death must be signed by three doctors that will perform a neurological exploration, as well as the realization of diagnostic tests. When dealing with a legal case it is necessary the cooperation of a forensic doctor that will assess the case and inform the judge about the authorization. It is important to inform the family about the clinical status, exitus and the possibility of donorship, in order to obtain their consent. Finally, there will be a programmed organ and tissue extraction, coordinated with the implantation.