Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy Print Start Your Donor Evaluation Begin the process of becoming a living kidney or liver donor by clicking here to complete a Health History Questionnaire. Mayo Clinic surgeons are experts in performing minimally invasive surgery to remove a donor's kidney (laparoscopic donor nephrectomy) for a kidney transplant, as an alternative to open surgery. In laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, surgeons conduct the procedure through one or several small incisions in your abdomen using surgical instruments and a long, thin tube with a camera at the end (laparoscope). A surgeon removes your kidney through the incisions using his or her hand. After laparoscopic nephrectomy, you may have a quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay and less pain than after open surgery. Many kidney donors return to their normal activities or job within a few weeks of donating a kidney. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Nov. 19, 2020 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., has been recognized as the best Nephrology hospital in the nation for 2020-2021 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Kidney Transplant ProgramDepartment homeSectionsRequest an appointmentOverviewConditions treatedDoctorsDoctors by location and specialtyExpertise & rankingsLocations, travel & lodgingClinical trialsResearchThe Mayo Clinic experience & patient storiesCosts & insuranceNews from Mayo ClinicVolumes and outcomesEligibilityResources for medical professionalsContact us SectionsRequest an appointmentOverviewConditions treatedDoctorsDoctors by location and specialtyExpertise & rankingsLocations, travel & lodgingClinical trialsResearchThe Mayo Clinic experience & patient storiesCosts & insuranceNews from Mayo ClinicVolumes and outcomesEligibilityResources for medical professionals ORG-20193489 Departments & Centers Medical Departments & Centers Kidney Transplant Program