[A review of the present status of liver transplantation]

Liver transplantation opens the view on the border lines of medicine. Its performance requires great surgical and anaesthesiological experiences. Based on the authors' own experience the selection of liver donors and the indications for liver transplantations are pointed out. Special pathophysiological aspects of liver transplantation as well as the anaesthesiological procedure and the intensive care in the early postoperative period are described. The results of liver transplantation can be improved by further research on preservation of explanted organs, early recognition of complications after transplantation and immunological suppression.