Organized Kidney Retrieval on a Regional Basis

Abstract
• A network of small to medium-sized communities has been developed to increase the supply of cadaveric kidneys for renal allotransplantation. After a training period, community physicians and the community hospitals were designated as members of the transplant team to retrieve kidneys. A threefold increase in the number of cadaveric kidneys has resulted from this project. This mechanism for organized kidney retrieval on a regional basis could be used to augment the supply of cadaveric organs in other areas of the United States. (Arch Surg 111:871-873, 1976)