Quality control of 2721 cornea transplantations of issued by Center of Corneal Analysis and conservation by the Bank of Tissue and Cells of Tuscany.

Knowledge of the clinical evolution of corneal transplantation is fundamental to its improvement by upgrading the modalities and conservation methods in eye banking. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review of the results obtained with corneal transplantation performed at 50 Italian hospitals supplied by our center. From July 1997 through December 2002, 2721 corneas were used for transplantation.

Need and supply of liver grafts in Tuscany.

Background: Epidemiological data are fundamental to adequately plan the activity of a liver transplantation centre.

Aim: To evaluate the ratio between need and supply of liver grafts in Tuscany and to develop a regional strategy aimed at increasing donor recruitment.

Methods: The need for liver grafts was estimated on the basis of an epidemiological study: 19 Medical Units were requested to fill in a questionnaire inquiring into all Tuscan patients evaluated for liver disease during three different periods of one month each in 1996.