The shortage of organ donors along with the increased number of waiting recipients have created the need for new strategies to expand the organ pool from donations after brain death. Organ procurement from brain-dead deceased donors is a complex task. Multiple, complicated operations are performed simultaneously. Very often, this involves numerous physicians and transplant coordinators. An extensive coordination between the thoracic and abdominal surgical teams is crucial for the successful procurement of all suitable organs. The quality of donor organs and the successful recovery therefore depends on a good communication. Organ procurement for transplantation should generally be performed in a calm and dignified atmosphere. The last wishes of the organ donor itself or the relatives must be respected unconditionally. In general, a dignified and respectful treatment of the organ donor is a condition sine qua non for each person involved in the process of organ procurement. The purpose of this article was to focus on the surgical aspects of organ donation after brain death. The proposed recommendations, in cases where they are applicable, are acceptable, however, one should never forget the importance of the ethical side of the issue with respect to the doctor-donating side relationship.     «

The shortage of organ donors along with the increased number of waiting recipients have created the need for new strategies to expand the organ pool from donations after brain death. Organ procurement from brain-dead deceased donors is a complex task. Multiple, complicated operations are performed simultaneously. Very often, this involves numerous physicians and transplant coordinators. An extensive coordination between the thoracic and abdominal surgical teams is crucial for the successful proc...     »