Experiences and Attitudes of Transplant Recipients Towards Transplant Tourism
Conference Paper
M,, Alghonaim . 2015
Publication Work Type:
Poster Presentation
Conference Name:
17th Congress of the European Society for Organ Transplantation
Conference Location:
Brussels, Belgium
Conference Date:
Monday, September 14, 2015
Publication Abstract:
Background:
Renal transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, due to the shortage of organs supply and the increasing time on waiting lists some patients opted for commercial transplantation. In addition to its associated ethical concerns, commercial kidney transplantation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, compared to non-commercial transplantation.The aim of this study was to assess the experience and attitudes of patients who underwent commercial kidney transplantation abroad.
Methods and Materials:
All adult recipients of vendor kideny transplants who are followed at nephrology transplant clinic at King Khalid university hospital were eligibible for participation in the study. Those who provided consent were interviewed and completed selfadministered questionnaire.
Results:
A total of 85 patients were approached for paticipation in the study. All have consented and completed the survey (questionnaire or interview). The mean age of the study participants was (44+/-14). 59 (69.4%) were males. 18 (22%) of prticipants reported having immidiate complications (22%). The majority of participants demonstrated a positive opinion towards their experience (74.1%), and most of them (80%) would chose to go through it again if they had to. 84% would recommend it for a family member or a loved one. Only 2 (2.4%) regreted having a commercial kidney transplant.
Conclusion:
Recipients of commercial kidney transplantation have a positive attitude towards it, despite the the ethical concerns and its inferior clinical outcomes. Furthermore, 80% favor legalizing it. These findings hilight the importance of education and awareness needed by healthcare community in this regard