Pure laparoscopic versus open live donor nephrectomy: evaluation of health survey and graft functions.

Background: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has become the gold standard in many kidney transplantation centers seeking to increase the number of potential live donors. This study was designed to compare the health surveys and graft functions between LDN and open donor nephrectomy (ODN).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent donor nephrectomy between December 2005 and September 2009 who had at least 1 year of follow-up. We reviewed demographic data, operative time, warm ischemia period, graft function, and quality of life.

Results: Among the 132 cases, 98 were pure LDN and 34 were ODN. Demographic data were similar in both groups. Operative times were significantly longer in the ODN group but warm ischemia times significantly longer in the LDN group. However, graft functions were similar in both groups. There was 1 graft loss due to arterial thrombosis of the transplanted kidney among the LDN group. Short-Form 36 health survey scores were similar except for the role-physical subscale.

Conclusion: Although we failed to observe a significant difference between ODN and LDN as far as the quality of life and graft functions were concerned, the previously documented advantages of laparoscopy with similar operative results suggest? LDN to be the gold standard for this procedure in our institution.