Transplantation

The history of solid organ transplantation is traced from its beginnings in the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. Surgical techniques, advances in immunology, and a review of major immunosuppressive milestones are reviewed. Over the last 50 years, transplantation has moved from experimental to accepted clinical therapy. The technology of transplantation has been widely disseminated throughout the United States. This paper reviews the major ethical and social problems that still need to be addressed in regards to transplantation. These include organ supply, organ distribution, access to care, funding, and xenotransplantation. (C) 2000 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.