Minimally invasive donor nephrectomy: innovations

From open surgery to laparoscopic surgery, there has been an evolution in the surgical technique for live donor nephrectomy which goes beyond patient comfort. As a unique operation where the margin for error is nearly nil, and where the patient is essentially harmed for an altruistic goal, ensuring the best possible result is vital. Additionally, as the morbidity of the operation decreases, there is a theoretical increase in the donor pool. In this review, the latest techniques for minimally invasive live donor nephrectomy are covered, including new approaches such as laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, natural orifice surgery, and new tools such as robotics.