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Humar S, Jung J, Krause S, Selzner N, Abbey S. Anonymity: What does it mean and why is it important to anonymous living liver donors? Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1299-1305. [PMID: 35229446 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Anonymous living organ donation has recently become more common in select transplantation programs, with donors voluntarily offering a kidney or a lobe of their liver to those in need. These anonymous donations may be directed to a specific recipient or nondirected, and anonymity may be one way or reciprocal. Given their unique situation, we interviewed a cohort of anonymous living liver donors and explored their opinions surrounding anonymity and its implications in living liver donation. A total of 26 anonymous donors completed a semistructured qualitative interview consisting of questions regarding their experiences as a living liver donor. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes, specifically those pertaining to the donor's perceptions and experiences with anonymity. Five main themes related to anonymity were identified: (1) the moral importance of an unencumbered gift, (2) wanting internal satisfaction rather than seeking external accolades, (3) anonymity as a protection against potential negative outcomes in the recipient, (4) feelings of ambivalence toward meeting the recipient, and (5) concerns about negative perceptions among their own friends and family. These insights into the range of donors' attitudes toward anonymity will help improve awareness and provide the best possible mental and physical care for the anonymous donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Humar
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judy Jung
- Multi-Organ Transplant & Medical Specialties, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Krause
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Abbey
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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The Importance of Scar Cosmesis across the Surgical Specialties: Factors, Perceptions, and Predispositions. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022; 10:e4219. [PMID: 35356039 PMCID: PMC8939916 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Anonymous Nondirected Living Liver Donation in the United States. Transplant Direct 2021; 8:e1275. [PMID: 34966843 PMCID: PMC8710328 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Mental Health and Well-Being of Solid Organ Transplant Donors. The Forgotten Sacrifices. TRANSPLANTOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/transplantology2030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of a global organ shortage, living donor transplantation has become increasingly relevant as an alternative to deceased donor transplantation. While current research has revolved around the medical aspects of transplantation, there remains a paucity of literature regarding the quality of life (QOL) of living donors. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of the current landscape of living liver and kidney transplantation, with a focus on the mental health and wellbeing of donors. As highlighted in previous studies, organ donation has a significant impact on both physical and mental aspects of donor wellbeing, with marked deteriorations occurring in the short term. Furthermore, other qualitative aspects such as financial burden contribute greatly to donor distress, reflecting a need for improved donor care. To address these pertinent issues, recommendations for a successful transplant program are detailed in this review, which encompasses psychological and social aspects of donor care throughout the donation process. Further research can be done on the impact of recipient deaths on donor QOL and appropriate interventions. Overall, given the selfless sacrifices of living donors, the care of their mental wellbeing is essential. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on the provision of adequate psychosocial support for them.
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