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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Cost effectiveness of laparoscopic versus mini-incision open donor nephrectomy: a randomized study
Niels F M Kok1, Eddy M M Adang, Birgitta M E Hansson
1Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, and Department of Medical Technology Assessment, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Transplantation
|June 26, 2007
Summary
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a cost-efficient procedure compared to open donor nephrectomy (ODN), primarily due to reduced productivity losses and faster return to work for donors. This technique offers significant benefits for donor experience and societal cost savings.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Surgery
- Health Economics
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- The cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a critical consideration for its widespread adoption.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) compared to mini-incision open donor nephrectomy (ODN).
- To evaluate the impact of LDN on donor quality of life and societal costs over a one-year follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing LDN and ODN, including 50 donors per group.
- Comprehensive documentation of all in-hospital costs.
- Postoperative assessment of return-to-work and societal costs via donor questionnaires and Euroqol-5D quality of life assessments.
Main Results:
- Mean total costs were significantly higher for LDN (euro6,090) than ODN (euro4,818), largely due to disposables.
- LDN demonstrated reduced productivity loss (68 days vs. 75 days) and faster resumption of non-work activities (66 days vs. 91 days).
- LDN yielded a mean gain of 0.03 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) with a societal cost of euro488 per QALY gained.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) offers a clinically relevant donor-experienced benefit.
- From a societal perspective, LDN is a cost-efficient procedure, primarily attributed to decreased productivity losses.
- The findings support LDN as a valuable and economically viable alternative to open donor nephrectomy.
