Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: the initial 3 cases

Successful laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy in 3 patients is described.

The procedures were performed completely laparoscopically and the kidneys were extracted via 8 cm. infraumbilical incisions.

In all 3 cases warm ischemic time was less than 5 minutes, and the renal vessels and ureter of the harvested kidneys were of adequate length for routine transplantation. Donors required minimal postoperative parenteral analgesia and were discharged home 1 to 3 days after the procedure. All harvested kidneys were successfully transplanted, and functioned well initially and at hospital discharge.

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy may be an alternative surgical modality to conventional open nephrectomy. Advantages include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and convalescence, and a more desirable cosmetic result. Additionally, these advantages may encourage more individuals to consider live donation, resulting in an increase in organ supply.