How to Deal with the Empty Space After Organ Removal for Transplantation: A Single Medical Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Dealing with the empty space after organ removal for transplantation has not been investigated.

METHODS: From January 28, 2005, to November 21, 2017, 111 organ donors were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 3 groups: no replacement, replaced with paper printed with organ graphics, or replaced with 3-dimensional (3D) printed simulated organs. The organs were removed at different periods. The donor's age, gender, etiology of admission, characteristics, clinical pictures, time interval between admission and date of donation, and time interval between donor coordinator consultations were evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 82 men and 29 women with mean age of 43 ± 15.1 years were enrolled. Overall, 329 organs and 126 corneas were transplanted. The major causes of brain death were traumatic brain injury (44.1%) and cerebrovascular disease (32.4%). Twelve donors initially presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Ten patients with solid cancers and 3 with septic shock donated both of their corneas. The mean time interval between donor coordinator and social worker consultation to organ donation was 3 (2-5 days) (median [interquartile range]). Periods I and II averaged 7-8 donors per year. Fourteen donors and 41 organs were replaced with 3D-printed simulated organs at the families' request in 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide a replacement method dealing with the empty space after organ removal. We used 3D-printed simulated organs in addition to providing grief assistance and spiritual support. It also has the potential effect of increasing the organ donation rate.