Technical advances in surgery and the new antirejection agents
cyclosporine and muromonab-CD3 have led to improved outcome for organ
transplantation. Allograft rejection and complications of immunosuppressant
therapy are often associated with considerable stress, so availability of
psychiatric consultation is a necessity. As a transplant team consultant,
the psychiatrist treats perioperative anxiety, depression, and organic
brain dysfunction and addresses medical and ethical aspects of patient
selection. Studies indicate that many patients with psychopathological
conditions have good postoperative results and that most living kidney
donors participate spontaneously and consider donation a positive
experience.Abstract Teaser