Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the legal framework, health system of donation, and transplantation of cells, tissues, and organs, measured based on processes and rates from 1978 to 2008 in Uruguay.
Materials and methods: We analyzed 3 decades (1978-1988/1989-1998/1999-2008) by the following evaluation: the legislation, donation and transplantation system, procurement, registration of pre-state of voluntary donations, actual donations and transplantation rates of solid organs (kidneys, heart, liver, and pancreas), and rates of donation and transplantation of tissues (corneal and laminar [skin, amniotic membrane, and fascialata]), of cardiovascular elements (valves and vases), and of ostearticular tissues (bones and tendons).
Results and conclusions: Uruguay has maintained continuous governmental politics in donation and transplantation. In the last decade the elaboration of a strategic plan by promoting Laws and Decrees of Encephalic Death, Presumed Donation and Security of Cells and Tissues, as well as the creation of the Unit Procurement, the registration of nonrelated donors for hematopoietic stem cells, and the re-engineering of tissue banking, has shown a significant increase in deceased donation and cadaveric transplantation, reaching the first highest overall donor rate in Latin America with 24/pmp multiorgan donors.