Surgical resident perspective on deceased donor organ procurement

Abstract

Background: Deceased donor organ procurement provides unparalleled opportunity for surgical residents with extensive surgical exposure. We hypothesize that surgical residents regard organ donation positively and organ procurement enhances their education.

Methods: We conducted an institutional review board approved anonymous national survey to evaluate organ procurement experiences and attitudes of general surgical residents.

Results: Three hundred ninety-seven residents representing all postgraduate years responded, with 97% completion rate. Organ procurement increased with training level (92% seniors vs. 53% interns). Over 85% agree organ procurement is a good educational and operative experience, and 73% believe that it will benefit their future surgical career. About 68% agree that organ procurement provided knowledge of anatomy and exposures; under 10% felt organ procurement could be duplicated with simulation. Presence of transplant program did not affect attitudes or experience. Eighty-eight percent women versus77% men plan to donate their own organs.

Conclusion: Results indicate that surgical residents value organ procurement, and it remains an essential encounter that applies to general surgery.

Keywords: Organ donation; Organ procurement; Surgical education.