Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: single-center experience

Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN) has become the standard procedure for renal transplantation. This technique is considered less invasive for the donor, allowing lower postoperative analgesic requirements and a faster return to daily activities. In Japan, 1123 renal transplantation were performed in 2009. And, almost 83% were living related procedures. The aim of this study was a retrospective assessment of the safety and outcomes of LLDN on renal transplantations.

We retrospectively analyzed the intraoperative data and surgical complications for 21 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy between June 2009 and March 2011.

LLDN was successfully completed in all patients, without conversion to open surgery. Mean operative time was 243.5 ± 46.0 minutes with an average blood loss of 46.0 ± 46.1 mL. Warm ischemic time was 2.1 ± 0.62 minutes. Hospital stay was 11.1 ± 2.7 days. There were no major donor complications. One patient presented a wound infection responding to conservative treatment.

LLDN is a safe effective procedure. The vascular stapler is useful to manage the renal vessels.