Hand-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy

Objective To introduce and evaluate the hand-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic technique for living donor nephrectomy. Methods Five cases treated by using the technique of the hand-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (HLDN) were summaried. The procedure utilized a hand assisted device for laparoscopic technique to increase safety and control of the laparosoopic technique. Results In these 5 cases, only left side nephrectomy were performed. Mean operating time was 116 min, with mean warm ischemia time being 2. 8 min. Mean lenghth of renal arteries and renal vein was 1.8 cm and 2.7 cm, respectively. There were no intra- or post-operative complication. Conclusion HLDN is easier than tradnitional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy(LDN) for the surgeons,so it can minimize the learning curve. HLDN can reduce warm ischemia and operating time, and also facilitate trocar placement. In addition, it can improve the prevention of torsion of the kidney,control of potential bleeding, and in