[Dialysis or transplantation? (author's transl)].

Survival of children with chronic renal failure has been improved by the introduction of dialysis and transplantation, especially in pediatric nephrology units. Unfortunately transplantation is still underrepresented in the Federal Republik of Germany, compared with other European countries. The different significance of both procedures is illustrated on the basis of the therapeutic experience in 178 children with chronic renal failure at the University Children's Hospital Heidelberg. Differential indications and contraindications for dialysis and transplantation in childhood are discussed and the advantages of both procedures are compared. It is concluded that dialysis and transplantation in children are not alternative but complementing forms of management. A careful organisation has to guarantee the smooth transition between both forms of treatment.