Single‐center experience of organ transplant practice during the COVID‐19 epidemic

Summary In order to safely carry out organ donation transplants during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), we have formulated strict procedures in place for organ donation and transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed our transplantation work from January 20 to May 5, 2020, to discuss whether organ transplantation can be carried out safely during the epidemic period. From January 20 to May 5, 43 cases of donation were carried out in our hospital, and the utilization rate of liver, kidney, heart, lung, and pancreas donations was more than 90%. Forty‐one cases of liver transplantation and 84 cases of kidney transplantation were performed. No graft loss or recipient death occurred within one month after kidney transplantation, and one patient (2.4%) died after liver transplantation. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay compared with that during the same period in the previous three years. More importantly, COVID‐19 infection did not occur among healthcare providers, donors, patients, or their accompanying families in our center. Under the premise of correct protection, it is safe and feasible to carry out organ transplantation during the epidemic period. Our experience during the outbreak might provide a clinical reference for countries facing COVID‐19 worldwide.
The global epidemic caused by the rapid spread of coronavirus disease‐ 2019 (COVID‐19) to a global epidemic has posed a huge challenge to organ donation and transplantation. From potential donor management, to organ donation and transplantation, we have formulated detailed rules to strictly control all aspects of clinical work. The practice of our center has confirmed that transplantation activities can be carried out normally under the right protection. Our experience might provide a clinical reference for the countries facing COVID‐19 worldwide.