Comparison of outcomes in noncomplicated and in higher-risk donors after standard versus hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Hand-assisted techniques facilitated dissemination of the laparoscopic approach in live kidney donors and addressed concerns regarding potential procedural complications. We report our experience with both standard and hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in routine, complicated, and higher-risk donors. From July 1999 to September 2002, 47 donors underwent standard laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (SLDN; n = 29) or hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN; n = 18).