Laparoscopic Versus Finger-Assisted Open Donor Nephrectomy Technique: A Possible Safe Alternative

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is standard for living-donor kidney retrieval.
• Ongoing research seeks alternative, potentially safer or more effective techniques.
• Donor nephrectomy outcomes are critical for living donor safety and graft success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of finger-assisted open donor nephrectomy versus laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.
• To evaluate donor complications, recovery, and long-term renal function.
• To assess recipient outcomes following kidney transplantation from donors undergoing different nephrectomy procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 95 consecutive living kidney donors.
• Comparison of donor demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications.
• Assessment of donor glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 1 year post-donation and recipient GFR at 1 year post-transplant.

Main Results:

• Finger-assisted open donor nephrectomy group had significantly fewer minor postoperative complications (14.7% vs 31.6%).
• Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy resulted in longer operative times and incision length but shorter hospital stays.
• Donors undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy had lower 1-year GFR (60 vs 89 mL/min/1.73 m²), while recipient GFR was similar.

Conclusions:

• Finger-assisted open donor nephrectomy is a safe and successful alternative to laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.
• This technique offers favorable donor outcomes regarding complications and renal function.
• Both procedures yield similar long-term graft function for recipients.