Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open donor nephrectomy

Background: This randomized controlled trial was designed to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) in comparison with short-incision open donor nephrectomy (ODN). Methods: Eighty-four live kidney donors were randomized in a 2 : 1 ratio to LDN (56 patients) or short-incision ODN without rib resection (28). Primary endpoints were pain relief and duration of inpatient stay. Results: There was no donor death or allograft thrombosis in either group. The first warm ischaemic time median (range) 4 (2–7) versus 2 (1–5) min; P = 0·001) and the duration of operation (160 (110–250) versus 150 (90–200); P = 0·004) were longer for LDN. LDN led to a reduction in parenteral morphine requirement 59 (6–136) versus 90 (35–312) mg; P = 0·001) and hospital stay (4 (2–6) versus 6 (2–9) days; P = 0·001), and earlier return to employment (42 (14–84) versus 66·5 (14–112) days; P = 0·004). Postoperative respiratory function was improved after LDN. There were more postoperative complications per donor in the ODN group (0·6(0·7) versus 0·3(0·5); P = 0·033). At a median follow-up of 74 months, there were no differences in renal function or allograft survival between the groups. Conclusion: LDN removes some of the disincentives to live donation without compromising the outcome of the recipient transplant. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.