Selection of donors and organization of a donor system for liver transplantation in India.

Organ transplantation has been a major scientific advance of this century. There is an attempt to start liver transplantation (LTx) in India in the near future. Donor selection is an integral part of the transplantation programme. Donor organs are a scarce resource and optimising their use will not only contribute to the success of the programme but also will ensure a steady flow of donors in the long term. Various factors essential for consideration while selecting a donor for liver transplantation are discussed. I have suggested guidelines for organising a viable donor system in the Indian setting to make the transplant programme long lasting.