We report technique and preliminary results with a new laparoscopic hand-as
sisted, technique for live donor nephrectomy. A special device (Pneumo-Slee
ve Handport) in a short (7.5-8 cm) Pfannenstiel incision allows the surgeon
to insert his or her hand into the insufflated abdominal cavity and to use
it as a "multifunctional instrument" while pneumoperitoneum is preserved.
This technique offers significant advantages over the pure laparoscopic app
roach in terms of maintained tactile feedback, facilitated exposure and dis
section, decreased operation time and easy retrieval of specimen with minim
ized allograft warm ischemia time.