Biomedical subjects

E K Steffens

Publications and source records attributed to E K Steffens.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Initial experience with laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Advances in laparoscopic instruments and video technology have made laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) feasible. We report our initial experience with this technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of 30 open donor nephrectomies and our first 30 LDNs was performed to assess donor and recipient outcome and resource usage. RESULTS: LDN was successfully completed in 26 donors (87%). The increased operative time and costs were balanced by less postoperative pain, earlier discharge, earlier return to normal activity and work, fewer incision problems, and less personal financial loss. Recipient outcome was not affected. CONCLUSION: LDN is technically feasible and safe, and recipient graft outcomes are equivalent. Convalescence is shortened, and there is less personal financial loss. LDN offers significant benefit to the donor and may result in increased organ donation.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Attitudes and beliefs concerning organ donation among Native Americans in the upper Midwest.

Because of increasing access to renal replacement therapy and the high incidence of renal disease among Native Americans largely due to type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is important to determine attitudes and beliefs in this population toward organ donation. In a study conducted on reservations in the upper Midwest during traditional powwows and health fairs, it was discovered that willingness to donate was more likely to occur if Native Americans were approached by a healthcare worker from their culture, if they had already signed a donor card, or if they knew someone with diabetes. Willingness to be a living donor (81%) was greater than willingness to donate after death (i.e., as a cadaveric donor) (54%). These findings indicate that cultural-specific information about organ failure rates and organ donation, when presented by knowledgeable individuals within the culture, could increase donation in the Native American population.

Attitude to Death↗