Organ donation in Belgium: discrepancy between offer and demand.

Belgium shows one of the highest numbers of patients with terminal renal failure, treated by means of dialysis, compared to other European countries. Transplantation accounts for only one third of the therapeutic modalities in these patients. As the number of new patients, presenting with terminal renal failure, is equally rising, an always growing discrepancy exists between offered kidneys and patients, desperately waiting for these organs. The same holds true for other organs, as heart, pancreas and liver. This study examines the multiple causes that induce this growing discrepancy and points to some solutions and suggestions that can deal with it.