Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Step Forward in Kidney Transplantation?

Open donor nephrectomy for live donor kidney transplantation is a safe procedure that has been used for more than 30 years with excellent results. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a relatively new technique that has the potential of decreased postoperative pain, less incisional morbidity, and shorter recovery time. Furthermore, it has been reported that this potentially less traumatic approach increases the number of potential live donors. This review article focuses on the currently used laparoscopic techniques in live kidney donation as well as the controversy regarding its efficacy, safety, and future.