[Plea for a graft].

Abstract

With the promulgation of the "Bioethics" laws in 1994 in France, the Etablissement français des Greffes was endowed with the task of defining the principles controlling human tissue grafts in France. These laws require a precise control of all material and human input involved in each step of the grafting process. Organ removal from human cadavers by the ophthalmologist, graft preservation, validation of organ banks and recipient grafting by the surgeon are some of the many steps which must follow precise rules of good practices. All those who participate in these activities from organ removal to recipient grafting must comply with these rules to obtain the necessary administrative authorization. As the "Bioethics" laws will be re-evaluated in 1999, now is the time to propose possible alternatives aimed at increasing organ procurement and shortening patient waiting lists.