Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is referred to as a minimally invasive surgical procedure which allows the removal of a kidney for transplantation through 4 small incisions. The main incision is made below the belly button and is 2 ¾ inches long. This incision is used to remove the kidney. The other 3 incisions are used to insert the instruments used to free the kidney from its attachments before it is removed. These incisions vary in size from ½ to ¼ inch long and are placed on the side of the abdomen. During the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with a gas, which allows a space between the wall of the abdomen and the kidney to be developed. This allows the surgeon easier access to the kidney. After the kidney is removed all of the incisions are closed with stitches which dissolve over several months. These stitches are placed on the inside and the skin edges are sealed with medical glue. This "plastic suturing" technique causes less scarring. With the avoidance of a large incision, the likelihood of a rapid recovery from the procedure is increased.
The operation takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and as with all surgery, involves risks. Any operation can be complicated by anesthetic complications, bleeding, blood clots or infection. Occasionally, a difficulty may occur which cannot be safely managed laparoscopically. In this situation, conversion to a conventional open procedure will be performed.
Once the donated kidney is removed, it is immediately prepared for transplant into the recipient, who in most cases will already be anesthetized in an adjacent operating room. The donor will be observed and cared for in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit for approximately 2 hours before returning to a regular hospital room, family and friends. The surgeon will speak with waiting relatives to report on your progress as soon as the surgery is complete. Please expect to remain in the hospital for approximately 2-3 days after surgery and in the Atlanta area for one week after the procedure. During the week after surgery, you will be examined by the surgeon before returning home. Recovery and return to work takes approximately 2 weeks for a desk job and 4-6 weeks for those with a more physically demanding job. It is recommended that donors avoid any heavy lifting for approximately 6 weeks following surgery.
