Keyhole kidneys

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Keyhole surgery is being used to remove kidneys from live donors by surgeons in the United States, who say the technique could make more organs available for transplant. A laparoscope with a tiny camera at the end is inserted through a small hole in the donor's abdomen to view the kidney. A robotic arm is then used to detach and remove the donor kidney, complete with blood supply.

The doctors, from Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, have used the technique during five kidney transplants, according to a report in New Scientist. They say it means less pain for the donor and a shorter stay in hospital.