LIVING DONOR NEPHRECTOMY IS A SAFE PROCEDURE

Abstract

A38 Aims: Voluntary donation of kidney by living donors has been steadily increasing in recent times. However, apprehension of complications related to the donor nephrectomy and long-term sequelae still haunt potential living donors. We analysed the incidence of post operative complications in those who underwent living donor nephrectomy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in donors who underwent living donor nephrectomy from July 2001 to December 2003 at our centre. All donors were evaluated according to a strict protocol. All donor nephrectomies were performed under endo-tracheal general anesthesia, through the eleventh rib excision loin approach. The donor’s age, sex, present and past significant medical and surgical histories, operative methods and various complications were reviewed, recorded and analysed. Results: One hundred and thirty donors, 78 males and 52 females with a median age of 31 years (<50years=125 & >50years=5) underwent living donor nephrectomy. Donors were usually discharged on the fifth POD (4 days–10 days). Seven donors (5.3%) experienced a complication in the post operative period. Two donors had apnea in the immediate post operative period, reintubated and were successfully extubated on the same day. Two patients had significant hemorrhage through the drain (200–600 ml) and one of them needed re-exploration. Two patients, each had acute gastric dilatation and sub acute intestinal obstruction respectively and recovered with conservative management. One patient had wound infection and was managed with antibiotics. None of our donors died due to the complications. Conclusions: Our study confirms that living donor nephrectomy is a very safe procedure associated with a very low morbidity. Although few donor deaths have been reported, none of our donors experienced a fatal complication. Morbidity and mortality in living donors can be avoided if the donors are evaluated with a strict protocol.