[Organization of liver transplantation in France]

Liver transplantation (LT) is performed in 27 centres in France, including 7 in Paris. Two of these centres (Cochin and Bicêtre) have a large paediatric activity, either exclusively or alongside adult transplantation. An organ harvesting activity is very often associated with LT. Except for one centre (Strasbourg), LT is associated with other surgical activities. The distribution of livers complies with national rules established by transplanters who have defined priorities in the context of a system based successively on regional priorities then national priorities. A ministerial decree and 6 executive decrees govern the organisation of LT in France, the conditions necessary for accreditation, as well as the modalities of evaluation which, for the moment, remain fairly theoretical. LT activity is important in France: 697 LTs in 1991, including 315 in Paris. Its development, or even its maintenance depends on the volume donor organs. The future law on bioethics will have a decisive importance on the subsequent development of liver transplantation.