Laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy with retroperitoneoscopic access - first case experience.

Background: Despite observed huge progress in understanding the immunological basis of transplantation and the development of new immunosuppressive agents that have significantly improved both -- the patient and graft survival, still the kidney donation from live volunteers remains the most consistent factor which affects the long-term survival. The conventional, open method of donor nephrectomy is associated with significant surgical trauma. The laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy (LDN) is the alternative for open approach.

Early results of a new liver transplant program in Szczecin, Poland.

New liver transplant programs have usually been associated with a significant learning curve. This learning curve, however, can be minimized or avoided if certain conditions are met. In this paper we describe the establishment of a new liver transplant program in Szczecin, Poland and present its early results.