Kidney Transplant For Bronx Man Whose Sister Died In Surgery Tragedy

[jadey]

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/06/07/bronx-man-to-get-new-kidney-following-transplant-surgery-death-of-sister/

this case pisses me off! I don't know if it's already been posted on this board--but I think it's worth mentioning. I want to know exactly what happened to this man's sister. Stories like this will only deter living organ donations. I know that everyone makes mistakes but it seems like the doctor failed to really explain the situation. How can he/she ensure that something like this won't happen again?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on this tragic story


Edited: Moved to News Articles - okarol/admin

[okarol]

The surgeon cut her aorta and they couldn't stop the bleeding soon enough. Kidney was never removed.
Donating a kidney is not risk free and sadly this had a terrible result.

[okarol]

Kidney Transplant For Bronx Man Whose Sister Died In Surgery Tragedy Now Postponed
Delay Apparently Related To Not Having All Necessary Approvals In Place
June 7, 2012 11:46 PM

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. The surgery for the Bronx man whose sister died while trying to donate a kidney to him has now been called off.

For how long remains to be seen.

It’s been a devastating ordeal for Roberto Medina, but his family is still hoping for a happy ending, CBS 2’s Tony Aiello reported.

The hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, did not give a reason for the postponement, but Helen Irving, President and CEO of the New York Organ Donor Network had the following to say late Thursday night:

“Unfortunately, the patient in question will not be able to receive an organ as soon as we had hoped.  We hope to have all of the approvals in place shortly. I have been impressed by the unity, support and commitment of the transplant community in wishing to pursue this rare request. Our thoughts are with the patient and his family at this difficult time.”

“He’s very nervous. He’s probably very scared, but he’s giving us strength with his positive outlook on this,” Luis Malave, Medina’s cousin, said earlier in the day before anyone knew he’d end up having to wait a little longer.

Yolanda Medina and her brother shared a bond so strong, she volunteered to give him a kidney, but she died during the removal procedure.

Roberto Medina could barely speak about the tragedy on Wednesday night. His sister died at Montefiore two weeks ago, on the operating table. An apparent medical mistake caused a fatal injury to her aorta.

“The gift of life. It was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives and it was the saddest one,” Roberto told CBS 2’s Derricke Dennis on Wednesday.

However, just minutes after that interview his phone rang, and Roberto and his wife, Marybel, rushed to the hospital. At the time, CBS 2 had learned the Regional Transplant Network agreed to what is called a “compassionate organ donation,” prioritizing his case in light of all he’s been through.

“Amazing, just heaven sent. This is Yolanda watching over us,” Marybel had said.

Doctors had reportedly picked up the kidney from a deceased donor and were scheduled to transplant it later Thursday, but due to the unforeseen issue the plan had to be temporarily scrapped.

Because of Yolanda’s death the family said there is some lingering anger toward the hospital, but there’s also gratitude for the efforts the staff has been making for Roberto.

“We’re very happy that his sister’s life was not in vain, though we did lose her. Something good came out of this and it’s the fact the hospital has taken the steps necessary to make sure that he’s still around for his family, his boys,” Malave said.

After so much grief and frustration, the family remains filled with hope.

Montefiore Medical Center said this case was the first time in its history a living donor died during kidney removal surgery.

[Poppylicious]

Stories like this will only deter living organ donations. I know that everyone makes mistakes but it seems like the doctor failed to really explain the situation.

I don't think it will deter people too much.  When you donate a kidney they make sure you know ALL the risks and don't let you make the decision without knowing that you understand the risks involved.  You go into it knowing that there's the tiniest risk you might not make it through surgery, but that applies to any major surgery anyway.

The saddest aspect of this (apart from her death of course) is that they weren't able to use her kidney after all, which was the whole reason she was having surgery. 

How can he/she ensure that something like this won't happen again?

They can't, and it probably will.  But it's extremely rare, the benefits outweigh the risks and I think people will still happily give up a little part of themselves despite stories like this.