Optimizing living donor nephrectomy: Eligibility and surgical techniques

Kidneys serve as a natural filter and provide homeostatic functions, for instance the control of reabsorption of water, glucose, and amino acids, regulation of electrolytes, preservation of acid-base balance and blood pressure, and they produce specific hormones. They are situated in the retroperitoneum, under the diaphragm, behind the peritoneum which encloses the biggest part of the intestines. Direct branches of the abdominal aorta, the left and right renal artery, take care of blood supply of around 20 percent of the cardiac output. They are surrounded by a renal capsule, fascia of Gerota, and perirenal fat. Patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have problems with most of the aforementioned functions of the kidneys. Kidney disease leads to morbidity and mortality.

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