Outcomes of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in obese patients

The applicability of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has not been asse ssed in the obese donor. We hypothesized that obesity is not a technical co ntraindication to LDN. From May 1998 to February 1999, 40 patients underwen t LDN at the Georgetown Transplant Institute with the transperitoneal techn ique. Prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis consisted of venous compre ssion stockings, low-molecular weight heparin in obese patients, and early ambulation. The following variables were examined: donor sex, age, weight,' height, related versus nonrelated donation, body mass index (BMI; wt/ht(2)) , operating room time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, time out of wo rk, and complications. BMI>31 indicates morbid obesity, BRI>27 indicates >2 0% over ideal body weight, and normal BMI is 25. The patients were divided into nonobese (BMI less than or equal to 31) and obese? groups (BMI>31). Th e two groups do not differ in outcome after LDN. Our data indicate that obe sity is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality after LDN.