Long-Term Donor Outcomes after Pure Laparoscopic versus Open Living Donor Nephrectomy: Focus on Pregnancy Rates, Hypertension and Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to compare long-term donor outcomes after open and laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy. The focus was on pregnancy rates, hypertension and quality of life parameters.

Materials and methods: Data were retrospectively collected using our institution's electronic database and a structured questionnaire. The study included 30 donors after open donor nephrectomy (ODN) and 131 donors after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN).

Results: Demographic data did not differ between groups. When asked for their preference, significantly more donors in the LDN group would choose the same surgical approach again. The overall frequency of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the LDN group. The incidence of grade III complications was 2% after LDN and 10% after ODN (p = 0.79). Only 2 out of 15 female donors aged between 18 and 45 years delivered a healthy child after DN. On interview, only 4 out of 15 female donors declared the desire to have children after DN.

Conclusions: From the donor perspective, long-term outcomes after LDN are more favorable than after ODN. To ensure favorable functional outcomes, strict preoperative donor selection and diligent long-term donor follow-up are required.