[Liver transplantation from a living donor is now possible. The first cases in Sweden completed with good results].

Liver transplantation is the sole treatment option for children with chronic liver failure, a patient category previously characterised by high mortality due to the lack of suitable organs. The introduction of new surgical techniques used in 'in situ splitting' of a donor liver, and in living related donor transplants has enabled mortality to be reduced. The article consists gives an account of the first five procedures where the in situ split technique was used in cadaveric livers, and of the first living related liver transplant performed in Sweden. The technique will improve the outcome of liver transplantation in children, and reduce the risk of death due to long waiting lists.