Objective The aim of this case-control study was to compare hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) evaluating donor and recipient outcomes. Methods A review of data from all LDNs and HALDNs conducted at the Mount Sinai Medical Center from October 1996 to February 2001 was undertaken. In October 1996, LDN was started. In June 1999, the technique changed from LDN to HALDN. Results HALDN was associated with significant shorter operating times((211?7)min vs (257?5) min, P