Perspectives of laparoscopic donors toward a new procedure: transvaginal donor nephrectomy

Interest in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is increasing. Transvaginal NOTES (TVNOTES) donor nephrectomy with subsequent removal of the kidney via the vagina is technically possible. This approach may minimize the surgical insult to the donor and allow improved cosmesis. The acceptability to patients of such a technique is, however, unknown. The aim of this article is to explore the attitudes of women who have previously undergone laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN).

A 15-point questionnaire was designed by a multidisciplinary group of surgeons interested in minimally invasive surgery to obtain the views of women who had previously undergone LDN at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide. It was sent to 150 female donors, and their views with regard to the acceptability of a TV approach to the peritoneal cavity for donor nephrectomy were recorded.

Forty-nine patients returned the completed questionnaire. The majority (90%) of these women did not have adverse feelings toward scars. Thirty-seven percent of women would consider a TVNOTES donor nephrectomy; however, this was increased to 51% if they could be reassured that TVNOTES was as safe as LDN. Concerns regarding a negative impact on sexual function after this procedure were raised by 33% of patients. The majority (88%) did not cite surgeon gender as an important factor when deciding for or against this procedure.

This study demonstrates that less postoperative pain, better cosmesis, and safety are factors that may influence a patient's decision to choose TVNOTES donor nephrectomy. The majority, however, would still prefer LDN.