So far, modifications of the technique of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, i.e. hand-assisted and/or retroperitoneoscopic approaches, did not show a significant benefit with regard to safety as reflected by the conversion to open and postoperative complications rate. We therefore believe that further research should focus on the optimization of early postoperative pain and its concomitant use of opioids. Since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are contra-indicated before and after nephrectomy, the management of postoperative pain largely depends on the administration of opioids. Measures to reduce postoperative pain would also reduce the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomitus, and postoperative bowel dysfunction.