Robotically assisted donor nephrectomy for kidney transplantation

The application of minimally invasive techniques in the field of transplant surgery is expanding the number of living-related donor nephrectomies. In 2003, the number of living kidney donors exceeded the number of cadaveric donors. The laparoscopic techniques already have been described extensively. Our experience with robotic donor nephrectomy began in October 2000. In this article, we describe the surgical technique for living-related donor nephrectomies using robotic technology (computer-enhanced surgery), as well as the most important considerations regarding the pre- and postoperative management of this group of patients.