Types of Living Donor Surgery
There are two options or methods for donor kidney removal surgery or a nephrectomy:
- Laparoscopic.
- Open.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laparoscope to remove a kidney for donation. Laparoscopic kidney removal is considered minimally invasive because it only requires three or four small non-muscle-cutting incisions rather than one large muscle-cutting incision in the abdomen.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy?
Because laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, in most cases, donor patients experience significantly less discomfort; have a shorter recovery period, and return to work more quickly than donors who had traditional open surgery. Because the incisions are small, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy causes reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays, and patients experience a quicker return to normal eating habits and daily activities.
Who is a candidate for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy?
Most people who are eligible for open nephrectomy are also eligible for laparoscopic nephrectomy. However, you might not qualify for the procedure if:
- You have had multiple previous abdominal surgeries.
- You are significantly overweight.
- There is abnormal anatomy of the kidney.
Our surgeon team will complete a pre-operative evaluation to ensure that laparoscopic nephrectomy is appropriate for you. However, in a small percentage of cases, even approved laparoscopic procedures might be converted to open procedures.