Initial experience with laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy

Advances in laparoscopic instruments and video technology have made laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) feasible. We report our initial experience with this technique.

A retrospective review of 30 open donor nephrectomies and our first 30 LDNs was performed to assess donor and recipient outcome and resource usage.

LDN was successfully completed in 26 donors (87%). The increased operative time and costs were balanced by less postoperative pain, earlier discharge, earlier return to normal activity and work, fewer incision problems, and less personal financial loss. Recipient outcome was not affected.

LDN is technically feasible and safe, and recipient graft outcomes are equivalent. Convalescence is shortened, and there is less personal financial loss. LDN offers significant benefit to the donor and may result in increased organ donation.