Many series of laparoscopic PLX4032 donor nephrectomy have specifically excluded the right kidney largely due to concerns about the length of the renal vein. In eight series with a total of 722 cases (unrandomized – 448 left kidneys, 274 right kidneys), no difference was observed in recipient outcome with respect to side.14,27,37–42 Case selection was not apparent in these reports, but nevertheless could still remain as a source of outcome bias.14,27,37–42 Similar considerations apply to the issue of multiple renal vessels. In three series with a total of 558 donor nephrectomies (unrandomized – 418 with single

vessels, 133 with multiple vessels) operative and warm ischaemia time was increased with multiple arteries, but the increases were not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference noted with respect to the complication rate.43–45 Training, experience and operative case load have not been defined for many major surgical procedures. Concerns are frequently raised on this issue, particularly with the introduction of new surgical techniques including donor nephrectomy. Minimal data exists in relation to these points with donor nephrectomy. Institutional reports that, in many cases, incorporate patients from the era of technical evolution of laparoscopic nephrectomy have suggested Selleckchem PXD101 a much higher risk of complications, and conversion to

an open operation as a consequence of technical problems during the initial 30 cases.46 It has been suggested Tideglusib that the progression of inexperienced individual surgeons through the learning curve in institutions performing laparoscopic nephrectomy may obscure the real effect of the learning curve.47 When performed in experienced high-volume transplant centres, equivalent outcomes (donor and recipient) occur with open living donor nephrectomy and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy performed by surgeons with significant previous laparoscopic experience. Major complications and donor mortality occur infrequently and limit the feasibility

of randomized controlled trials in comparing these occasional but extremely important events. Use of multi-institutional registry data is potentially the only means of resolving these safety issues. Compulsory prospective contribution to an independent central database will guarantee accurate reporting and ensure that important events that may influence conclusions are not excluded. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is associated with reduced analgesic requirements and more rapid return to normal activities compared with open surgery. Longer operative times and institutional costs occur, which are only partly offset by reduced loss of income by the donor in terms of overall costs to the community. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative: No recommendation. UK Renal Association: No recommendation.