Mini incision live donor nephrectomy: an optimal approach for the developing countries

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LD) is rapidly gaining popularity, however, this may not be affordable by donors in many developing countries because of its high cost. We describe our mini flank incision (MD) donor nephrectomy technique and its outcome.

A 7-10-cm subcostal rib sparing transverse incision was given 2 cm lateral to the tip of the 12th rib, towards the lateral border of rectus muscle. All dissections were performed with help of long retractors and instruments, vessels were transfixed and cut. In last 45 cases, vessels were clipped with Liga or Weck clips. Donors and recipients outcome was analysed.

From January 2000 to December 2002 a total of 148 patients underwent donor nephrectomy by mini incision technique. Mean patient age was 44.8 +/- 7.3 yr (range 20-70 yr). Nephrectomies were performed in 115 patients on the left side and in 33 cases on the right side. The mean incision length was 9.1 +/- 1.8 cm (range 7-10 cm). Mean operative time was 105 +/- 10.5 min (70-130 min). Mean analgesic (Tramadol) requirement was 205 +/- 52 mg; postoperative hospital stay was 2.2 +/- 0.5 d. Twelve per cent patients developed fever and 4% had superficial wound infection in postoperative period. Three patients required blood transfusion. Mean convalescence period was 22 +/- 2.8 d.

Extrapleural, extraperitoneal, subcostal mini incisions live donor nephrectomy is a relatively safe procedure with low morbidity. This technique has a shorter hospital stay, early convalescence and better cosmesis. It is cost-effective and is an ideal substitute for the developing country.