Surgery
--Donor Surgery
Living donors have volunteered to give one of their kidneys to a recipient.
This generous donation is done through a special type of surgery called a nephrectomy. The word nephrectomy means the surgical removal of a kidney.
Are there different types of donor surgeries?
Donors will have one of three different types of surgery: 1) an open donor nephrectomy, 2) a small front incision retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy, or 3)
a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.
What is an open donor nephrectomy?
An open donor nephrectomy is considered the conventional or traditional type
of donor surgery. This surgery requires an eight to ten inch incision in the
flank. This surgery uses general anesthesia.
What is a small front incision retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy?
A small front incision retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy requires a
four-inch incision in the abdomen. This surgery uses general anesthesia.
What is a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy?
A laparoscopic donor nephrectomy uses four punctures about a half-inch long
and one incision about 2 ½ inches long. This surgery is also done under general anesthesia.
How will I know which type of donor surgery is best for me?
Your surgeon will explain the benefits and risks of all three types of
surgery and will advise you on which procedure is the best one for you.
--Recipient Surgery
The recipient's surgery requires general anesthesia and will take about
three to four hours. The new kidney will be placed in the lower abdomen on either the
right or left side. The incision will be eight to ten inches in length and will
resemble a hockey stick. The recipient's natural kidneys are left in place
unless there is a medical reason why they should be removed. Your surgeon will
explain the benefits and risks of transplantation.
The donor surgery and the recipient surgery require two separate surgical
transplant teams which operate in two separate operating rooms. Usually, both surgeries are scheduled in the morning so that
they can be completed on the same day.
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