[Living donor transplantation. Surgical complications]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Transplant Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Context:

• Open surgery remains the standard for living donor kidney extraction.
• Laparoscopic nephrectomy is gaining traction due to its minimally invasive nature.
• The procedure involves small incisions and videoscopic control for kidney removal.

Purpose:

• To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open nephrectomy in living kidney donors.
• To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical approach for donor safety and graft function.
• To assess per- and perioperative complications in randomized studies.

Summary:

• Laparoscopic nephrectomy, performed via small incisions and videoscopic control, offers aesthetic, financial, and recovery benefits for living kidney donors.
• Potential drawbacks include longer warm ischemia times and a possible increased risk of delayed graft function.
• Randomized studies indicate no significant difference in per- and perioperative complications between laparoscopic and open nephrectomy.

Impact:

• Laparoscopic nephrectomy provides significant advantages for living donors, potentially improving their overall surgical experience and recovery.
• Understanding the trade-offs between techniques is crucial for informed decision-making in kidney transplantation.
• Further research may refine laparoscopic techniques to mitigate risks like delayed graft function.