Technique of right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a single center experience

The majority of laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (LDNs) are limited to the left side due to technical and allograft concerns in using the right. We review our experience with right LDNs. Since June 1997, 15 right LDNs were performed and the records retrospectively reviewed for demographics, operative time, transfusions, complications, and length of stay. Recipient records were also reviewed for delayed graft function, complications, and serum creatinine levels. Overall donor, recipient and graft survivals at 6 months are 100%. Mean operative time was 317 +/- 11.0 min, length of stay was 4.2 +/- 0.2 d, and mean serum creatinine levels at discharge, 1, 3, and 6 months were 1.74 +/- 0.19, 1.59 +/- 0.13, 1.72 +/- 0.13, and 1.68 +/- 0.13 mg/dL, respectively. No transfusions were required. There were no operative or hospital complications. Two recipients (13.3%) experienced delayed graft function, defined as requiring hemodialysis post-transplantation. With hand-assisted laparoscopy, the right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe and allows excellent allograft function.