[Euthanasia: practical implications]

Techniques used for euthanasia exist and have to be available for doctors. Their use ask for accurate information regarding schedules and pharmacology. Numerous medications may induce death at supratherapeutic doses but few are effective to ensure an end-of life without suffering, in the respect of human dignity. Some specific situation encountered in the terminal phase of life (delirium, dyspnea, bleeding) are described with their medical approaches. Terminal (or controlled) sedation and physician-assisted suicide are discussed. Two effective schedules based on the dutch experience and providing gentle and easy death are presented.