[Laparoscopic nephrectomy in the liver donor: introduction of the method and preliminary results].
BACKGROUND
The shortage of organs available for renal transplantation has focussed attention on the use of live donors. Techniques for laparoscopic nephrectomy have recently been described, which have limited morbidity, duration of hospitalization and the period off work. However, these surgical procedures are difficult, and may be risky for the organ to be transplanted.


METHODS
The laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy was introduced in stages, including the use of a videoconference from a reference center. In this article, the prospective analysis of the present authors' preliminary results has been presented.


RESULTS
Ten kidneys were removed by laparoscopy, i.e., three from the left and seven from the right side. No conversion of this technique to laparotomy was necessary. The mean warm ischemic time was five minutes, and in the last six operations it did not exceed three minutes. The patients were able to leave hospital between four and eight days following surgery. After a mean follow-up of 10.5 months, organ survival was 100%, and in all grafts excellent function was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The quality of these preliminary results which may act as a reference and the careful introduction of a live donor laparoscopic program could provide an incentive to potential donors, and thereby increase the pool of organs available for transplantation.
Service de chirurgie et division de néphrologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois, 1011 Lausanne, Suisse. vincent.bettschart@hospvd.chuv.ch
V
V
Bettschart
R
R
Schneider
G
G
Halabi
J P
JP
Wauters
M
M
Edye
F
F
Mosimann
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D019520:Living Donors; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies