[New techniques in liver transplantation]

Due to innovative surgical techniques, improved immunosuppressive regimens and better postoperative management, orthotopic liver transplantation achieved patient and allograft survival rates of 80 to 90% that have expanded both the indications for transplantation as well as the number of potential recipients awaiting liver transplantation. One of the major challenges facing organ transplantation is the current shortage of donors. Despite supportive legislation, media network systems and the attempt to raise public awareness, the actual donor numbers have remained relatively constant and do not meet the growing need for more organs. In 2002 the mortality among patients waiting for a liver organ reached 20%. Among the several measures that can be undertaken to expand the donor pool is the use of previously unused donors, such as marginal livers, domino-, split- or living related liver transplantation.