[20 years' experience with kidney transplantation in Stockholm]

Renal transplantations have now been carried out at our hospital for just over 20 years. The results have gradually improved and are now very satisfactory. There are many explanations for this development, but the improvement in immunosuppression has probably been the most crucial development. Renal transplantation is cheaper and it provides greater wellbeing for the patient than does chronic dialysis treatment. The indications have been widened and the number of patients waiting for a new kidney is increasing. An improved retrieval of cadaveric kidneys will be necessary for the required expansion of kidney transplantation programmes.