Possible complications
The risk for the donor in the course of a bone marrow donation is low and, in the case of classic bone marrow donation, is largely the anaesthetic risk that every anaesthetic performed involves. The insufficient differentiation between bone marrow and spinal cord is widespread. Since the spinal cord plays no role at all in a bone marrow donation, a bone marrow donation does not involve surgery on the spinal column, as is often assumed in public.
Therefore, paraplegia as a complication of a bone marrow donation is not to be feared. Complications that can occur are subsequent local pain and bruising in the area of the donor site. Pain that extends over a longer period of time is rare. If the bone marrow donation is performed via a peripheral collection, the administration of hematopoietic growth factor (G-CSF) may cause symptoms similar to those of influenza.Diffuse muscle and bone pain and headaches may also occur. However, the symptoms usually subside within a few days and can be treated with painkillers if necessary.
Financial and organizational aspects
All costs arising from the bone marrow donation, such as for preliminary examinations or hospitalization, are covered by the health insurance. Travel expenses or costs incurred due to loss of earnings are also covered by the health insurance. Depending on the method of bone marrow donation, a sick note is issued for the days of donation (peripheral collection) or for an estimated one week (classic bone marrow donation).
The German Bone Marrow Donor Center (DKMS) contacts the employer in case of an upcoming bone marrow donation. The continued payment of wages is either made by the employer or the German Bone Marrow Donor Center (DKMS). Over the legal accident insurance, which protects also donors of body-own tissue, and two further accident insurances, which are locked by the German marrow donor file (DKMS), the donor is insured during the procedure and also on the out and return journey to the withdrawal place.
In general, contact is possible if donor and recipient agree. However, on a personal basis or through direct letter contact, this is only possible after two years after the bone marrow donation has taken place, in view of German guidelines. In the meantime, an anonymous exchange of letters or attentions via the German Bone Marrow Donor Center (DKMS) is possible. In the case of bone marrow donations for affected persons abroad, the regulations may differ from the German regulations.
