Primum Non Nocere: Organ Donation After Electrocution and Transplantation of Electricity-Damaged Livers: Report of 2 Cases

Transplant Proc. 2016 Oct;48(8):2596-2600. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.08.012.

Abstract

Liver transplantation remains the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, allograft availability continues to be a problem, and extending the criteria for organ acceptance is key. Deceased donors after electrical accidents, as well as electricity-traumatized allografts, are not common but should be considered suitable. This study describes 2 cases of heart-beating organ donors with electrical injury to the liver. In 1 case, the electric shock was the cause of death; in the second case, the injury was caused by defibrillation at organ procurement. Both allografts had sustained sizeable electrical injury, and both resulted in excellent early posttransplant outcomes. These cases demonstrate that electrocution is not a contraindication to donation and that electricity-traumatized allografts may remain transplantable after careful assessment. Education of all staff in the management of such donors can optimize utility of such allografts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cause of Death
  • Electric Injuries / etiology
  • Electric Injuries / pathology*
  • End Stage Liver Disease / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / injuries*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tissue Donors* / supply & distribution
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / adverse effects
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / methods
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome