Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Pathophysiologic Changes after Brain Death and Organ Preservation: the Intensivist ’ s and Anesthesiologist ’ s Role

Rudin Domi, Hektor Sula, Ilir Ohri and Haki Laho

Organ transplantation is considered as a definitive surgical therapy for the end-stage organ failure patients, in order to improve the life quality and patients ‘survival. Organ donation may be considered only after the death or brain death is medically and legally confirmed, unless a living donation is being considered. The physician must know the pathophysiology of brain death, in order to ensure organ function is preserved. The physician must deal with brisk hemodynamic changes, endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, and respiratory complications. General measures are maintaining blood pressure and tissue oxygenation, fluid therapy to correct volume status, hormonal supplements, normoglycemia, respiratory care, and major organ function preservation.