Abstract

Objective: To present preliminary results of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. 

Materials and methods: The results of 18 transperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy performed between March 2008 and April 2009 in our clinic were presented. Nephrectomy side was right in one patient and left in the rest.

Results: Nine patients were male and 9 were female, and the mean age was of 56 (range 42-73) years. All of the cases were succesfully completed laparoscopically. Mean operation time was 155±37 (range 90-240) min and mean follow-up period was 6.3 (range 1-12) months. Mean warm ischemia period was 175±57 (range 90-320) sec. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.8±0.7 (range 2-4) days. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occured. Two transplantation patients were reoperated because of ureteral complications.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is effective and safe with graft survival results comparable to open approach in addition to well known advantages such as decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and recovery period, and better esthetic appearence.