Using 76 protocols of anaesthesia for donor nephrectomy from 1976 to 1982, the early selection of a possible cadaver kidney-donor and the requirements for donation are reported as well as measures of ascertaining cerebral death, possibilities to obtain the consent for donation and the course and organization of donor nephrectomy. Own experiences show that cadaver nephrectomy can be carried out without any disturbance of the routine operative program. The task of the anaesthesiologist is not specific but related to the fundamental knowledge of his specialty. Amelioration of the organization and the operative technique (in situ perfusion) shorten the amount of time, medicaments and infusions to be administered by all cooperating medical and paramedical personnel.