Laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy: Review of its current status

The laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy procedure has been developing rapidly. Although its use has increased worldwide, it is still only performed by experienced surgeons at a limited number of institutions. However, technical innovations have improved the feasibility of more widespread use of laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy. The advantages of laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy should not be overemphasized, and the fundamental principle of “living‐donor safety first” cannot be neglected. This review aims to summarize the current status of laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy and to emphasize that, while this procedure may soon be used as a reliable, donor‐friendly substitute for traditional open donor hepatectomy, its safety and efficacy require further substantiation first.