[Living organ donor transplantation--the German experience in comparison to others].

Living liver donation is a prominent and innovative method in the therapy of terminal liver disease in children and adults. Live donation of livers was first used in 1989 for children. After only 10 years, the concept was also established for application in adults. Due to the imminent lack of donor organs and the constantly increasing need of liver transplantation, this method will continue to grow in importance.