[Transplantation and organ donation in Germany]

Since the first kidney transplantation in Germany 1963 organ transplantation progressed in quality and quantity. Despite a very successful development the national transplant program stagnates since 1990 with even regression in renal transplantation. As number of patients in need of renal replacement therapy has grown now to about 40,000 it is of great importance to improve the situation especially in regard to kidney transplantation.