LAPAROSCOPIC DONOR NEPHRECTOMY

Abstract

First laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy was reported in 1995 by Ratner and Kavous. Thus far, some university transplant programs in USA have reported their own experiences in large series. But, still there has been no reported case in our country. Between 30.10.2000 and 15.10.2001 we have done 20consecutive laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies and we first present 17 of them. In 14 cases left and in 3 cases right nephrectomies were done. In 15 out of 17 patients operations were terminated laparoscopically. Two patients had to be opened after the kidney was taken out. Mean operative time was 225 minutes because of major bleeding. Mean follow-up period was 7.8 months, in 1 (%5.9) patient acute rejection and 3 (%17.6) patients acute tubular necrosis was seen. One patient who had ATN had to be reoperated at the first postoperative day for bleeding. This patient returned to hemodialysis program and died in the third postoperative month with cerebral and lung tuberculosis. With the use of minimal invasive laparoscopic technique cosmetic defect was minimal and the postoperative pain control was easier. Open live donor nephrectomy has been proven safe for the donor and the transplanted kidney is usually excellent in quality. Laparoscopic technique raises concerns about both donor safety and the quality of removed organ.