Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: Rationale, techniques, and implications

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LDN) was conceived as a means for decr easing donor nephrectomy morbidity and reducing disincentives for kidney do nation. Since LDN was first reported in 1995, explosive growth has led to i ts performance at more than 100 centers worldwide. Despite initial skeptici sm in some segments of the transplant community, the results of LDN have im proved progressively so that it is emerging as a new standard of care for E ve kidney donation. We review the development and refinement of LDN and its current rationale and applications.