Minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy: point of technique.

SUMMARY: As the worldwide demand for donor kidneys soars, kidney donation via less invasive and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques is emerging rapidly as a new and viable option to traditional, open-surgical harvesting techniques. Generally, this method of donation has been feasible by using the transperitoneal approach, but, more recently, it also has been accomplished through retroperitoneal access. The authors describe their modified, cost-reductive technique of live retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy and its very good results. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy appears to be promising; it reduces donor pain and suffering while maintaining excellent graft results.