We reviewed the experiences and follow up of the first 40 laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at our institution. Charts of patients who underwent laparoscopic donor nephrectomy from January 2004 to February 2006 were reviewed. We performed 40 procedures. Mean age was 23 years, 35 males and 5 females. All of the nephrectomies were on the left side. Patients weights were between 50 to 75 Kg operating time and warm ischemia time were recorded. Complications and convalescence were followed postoperatively. Mean follow up was 13 months (2-24). In the beginning, operating time was about 4 hours but after 5 cases it reached to about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Warm ischemia time was 4 minute (2- 8). All of the grafts have a very good function and we did not have any ATN (acute tubular necrosis). Seven patients complained of left shoulder pain following operation. One patient opened due to bleeding 12 hours following operation. Patients discharged from the hospital 2 to 3 days following operations. Analgesic consumption was lower than conventional open nephrectomy. Donor nephrectomy can be performed routinely, safely and with minimal morbidity using a laparoscopic approach and we strongly recommend it for all renal transplant surgeons. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy seems to be the gold standard for donor nephrectomy.