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.