Two Decades of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Solid Organ Transplantation

Transplant surgery has undergone significant advancements with the emergence of minimally invasive techniques, particularly in kidney and liver transplantation. This review explores the applications and impact of minimally invasive approaches in transplant surgeries. The history of laparoscopy and robotic surgery is discussed, highlighting the evolution of these techniques and their contributions to the field of minimally invasive surgery. Despite the numerous benefits offered by minimally invasive techniques, their acceptance in the transplant world remains relatively low. Factors such as technical complexity, concerns about graft function and longterm outcomes, surgical time and cost considerations, and the lack of standardized guidelines contribute to this low acceptance. However, as research and technological advancements continue, the acceptance of minimally invasive techniques is gradually increasing. Specific applications of minimally invasive techniques in kidney and liver transplant surgeries are explored, highlighting the transformative effect on patient outcomes and quality of life. The review concludes by emphasizing the ongoing evolution of transplant surgery and the potential for minimally invasive techniques to bring renewed hope and improved outcomes to transplant patients worldwide.