PURPOSE: To identify the obstacles contributing to the deficiency in supply of corneal donation. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the collection and the distribution of corneas was performed by the staff of organ and tissue transplantation in the University Hospital of Besançon. METHODS: Medical records of all the deceased patients between the 8(th) of February 1998 and 28(th) of February 1999 were reviewed. In these medical records, we distinguished 2 groups RESULTS: During the study period, 1044 patients died at Besançon University Hospital. 616 medical records were checked and 428 were not. Out of 616 checked medical records, we found 337 (54%) medical contraindications, 112 (18%) denied requests, 105 (17%) logistic problems and 62 (10%) procurements after consent. Out of 428 medical records unchecked, we found 215 (50%) medical contraindications, 199 (46%) potential donors and 14 (3,2%) logistic problems. The most important factor of non cornea procurement was medical contraindication. The unavailability of the transplant coordination ophthalmologists and logistic problems represented 30% of non procurement corneas. Relatives opposition was found only in 18% of cases. CONCLUSION: This survey was an overview of the real condition of corneal donation in our institution. Caution regarding medical selecting donor corneal material should be used even if it represents the most important factor of non cornea procurement. To increase the supply of donor material, logistic and audibility of transplant coordination and surgeons should be improved.
PURPOSE: To identify the obstacles contributing to the deficiency in supply of corneal donation. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the collection and the distribution of corneas was performed by the staff of organ and tissue transplantation in the University Hospital of Besançon. METHODS: Medical records of all the deceased patients between the 8(th) of February 1998 and 28(th) of February 1999 were reviewed. In these medical records, we distinguished 2 groups RESULTS: During the study period, 1044 patients died at Besançon University Hospital. 616 medical records were checked and 428 were not. Out of 616 checked medical records, we found 337 (54%) medical contraindications, 112 (18%) denied requests, 105 (17%) logistic problems and 62 (10%) procurements after consent. Out of 428 medical records unchecked, we found 215 (50%) medical contraindications, 199 (46%) potential donors and 14 (3,2%) logistic problems. The most important factor of non cornea procurement was medical contraindication. The unavailability of the transplant coordination ophthalmologists and logistic problems represented 30% of non procurement corneas. Relatives opposition was found only in 18% of cases. CONCLUSION: This survey was an overview of the real condition of corneal donation in our institution. Caution regarding medical selecting donor corneal material should be used even if it represents the most important factor of non cornea procurement. To increase the supply of donor material, logistic and audibility of transplant coordination and surgeons should be improved.