Introduction: Organ transplantation faces various challenges, including the assessment of organ suitability and the logistics of organ recovery. This study aims to evaluate deceased donor utilization rates and organ recovery process achievements in 2022, highlighting the complexities and challenges in organ transplantation.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2022 data on actual donors after brain death (DBD) and organ utilization in Saudi Arabia was conducted. The data included the number of utilized donors, reasons for non-utilization, and details of organ recovery processes, including medical evacuations and transportation. The results were compared to the previous year's data to assess changes in donor utilization rates.

Results: In 2022, there were 118 actual DBD donors, with 112 utilized for organ transplantation (70 from Saudi Arabia and 42 from the United Arab Emirates). Thirteen of the 42 UAE donors were utilized exclusively within their own countries. Six actual DBD donors were not utilized due to various medical reasons. A total of 118 organ recovery cases were recorded, with 62 requiring medical evacuations. Eighty-seven flights were utilized to transport 113 dedicated organ recovery teams, indicating adaptability and resourcefulness in the organ recovery process.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates an increase in deceased donor utilization rates compared to the previous year, highlighting significant achievements in the organ recovery process. Medical reasons leading to non-utilization emphasize the complexities and challenges in assessing organ suitability for transplantation. Further efforts should be directed towards improving the assessment and organ recovery processes to ensure the safety and success of transplantation procedures.