The operation
Through three or four small ports, the kidney is freed with its artery, vein and ureter intact and delivered through a short incision at the bikini line. Handling is deliberately gentle — the kidney about to be removed must work perfectly in another body within the hour. Warm ischaemia time is kept to a minimum and the organ is flushed and cooled immediately.
Donor recovery
Donors walk the evening of surgery and eat normally the next day. Discharge is usually on day two or three, desk work resumes at around two weeks and full activity including gym at six weeks.
- Small scars instead of a long flank incision
- Far less post-operative pain than open donor surgery
- Fewer wound and hernia problems long term
- Annual check-up of kidney function, blood pressure and urine protein
Which kidney is taken
Usually the left, because its vein is longer and implants more easily. The CT angiogram decides — if one kidney has better function or simpler vessels, the donor keeps the better kidney. That principle is fixed and never traded for surgical convenience.
Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy — common questions
How painful is donor surgery?
Considerably less than open surgery. Most donors need simple painkillers after the first 48 hours.
When can a donor return to work?
Around two weeks for desk work, four to six weeks for physically demanding jobs or gym training.
Will the donor need lifelong medication?
No. A donor takes no regular medication because of the donation. Annual check-ups and a sensible approach to blood pressure and weight are all that is asked.
Is there a scar?
Three small port marks and one short incision of roughly six to eight centimetres, usually placed low so it is hidden by clothing.
Reviewed by Dr. Kinjal Banerjee, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Urology) — Urologist, Renal Transplant & Robotic Surgeon, Faridabad. This page explains laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in general terms; your own treatment plan depends on your reports and examination.