We reviewed the experiences and early follow up of the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at our institution. Charts of patients who underwent laparoscopic donor nephrectomy from January 2004 to May 2004 were reviewed. During 5 months, we performed 20 procedures. Mean age was 23 years, 15 males and 5 females. All of the nephrectomies were on the left side. Patients weight were between 50 to 75 Kg.
In the beginning, operating time was about 4 hours but after 3 cases it reached to about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. All of the grafts have a very good function and we did not have any ATN (acute tubular necrosis). Four patients complained of left shoulder pain following operation. Patients discharged from the hospital 2 to 3 days following operations. Analgesic consumption was lower than open nephrectomy. Donor nephrectomy can be performed routinely, safely and with minimal morbidity using a laparoscopic approach and we strongly recommend it.