How are organs and tissues removed?
It is important that the organs are retrieved in perfect condition so the organ donor’s body is treated as carefully and respectfully as if the donor were still alive. The removal of organs and tissue is no different from any other surgical operation, and is performed by highly skilled health professionals. The organs are removed and the wounds are closed using precise and sterile surgical techniques. The donation of organs and tissue does not alter the physical appearance of the body and families are encouraged to see their relative again, nor does it affect funeral arrangements.
During organ or tissue donation, your body will be treated with respect, dignity and care. Organs which are removed for transplant occur in the operating theatre of the hospital at which the person died. It is a full surgical procedure performed by specialist transplant surgeons. The incision depends on which organs/tissues are retrieved and are always sutured closed, as in any surgical operation. If the person is a donor of tissues only, that is, they are unable to donate organs such as heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and kidneys, then these tissues, (namely, eye tissue, bone tissue and heart valve tissue) can be removed in a mortuary under sterile conditions by specialist staff. If the circumstances of the death of the person involve a Coroners inquiry, then a post-mortem examination will be carried out after the donation surgery. The donation of organs and tissues does not interfere with the legal requirements of a coronial investigation.
