Transplant tourism: a modern iteration of an ancient problem.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the scope and implications of emerging global problem of transplant tourism, a practice in which patients seek transplant services (most commonly kidney allografts) in countries other than their permanent residence. Potential remedies that must be implemented if abuses are to be curbed are also offered.


RESULTS
Although traveling abroad for medical services may not be problematic from a number of perspectives, what makes transplant tourism so troubling is its link with organ trafficking and transplant commercialism. Unlike many illegal markets, however, this one is driven by the need of patients with irreversible kidney failure, who, along with kidney vendors, are the most vulnerable participants in the process in terms of medical and financial outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
This review explores the scope and implications of transplant tourism, and offers potential remedies that must be implemented if abuses are to be curbed.
Khamash
Hasan A
HA
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Gaston
Robert S
RS
D003415:Crime / Q000517:prevention & control; D033161:Government Regulation; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019520:Living Donors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000600:supply & distribution; D018570:Risk Assessment; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D014195:Travel