[Living donor, his/her role and surgical approach concerning kidney transplantation]

Renal transplantation began in 1951 with a living donor. With advances in cadaveric transplantation, living donor transplantation became marginalised. Because of recent progresses in the field of transplantation, the scarcity of cadaveric kidneys and the attractivity of laparoscopic nephrectomy this therapeutic modality is regaining interest. The indications and standards of practice are well codified in Europe. Living donor laparoscopic nephrectomy, however, bears some morbidity as well as mortality.