Outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the setting of vena caval and renal vein thrombus: Seven-year experience

George Lee Martin, Erik P. Castle, Aaron D. Martin, Premal J. Desai, Costas D. Lallas, Robert G. Ferrigni, Paul E. Andrews

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: We present our experience with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for T3b disease focusing on thrombus within the vena cava. Patients and Methods: A total of 14 patients with T3b disease were identified from a retrospective laparoscopic renal cancer database from 2000 to 2007. Patient demographics, clinical stage, preoperative imaging, intraoperative parameters, final pathology, and postoperative course were analyzed. In patients with a large tumor thrombus, the infraumbilical extraction excision was performed early and a gel port was placed. This was used when laparoscopic milking or determination of the distal extent of the tumor thrombus was difficult. Results: Preoperative imaging identified T3b disease in all but four patients. Four patients had caval involvement seen on imaging, with one extending well above 2 to 3 cm above the renal vein. Of the 14 patients, procedures in 13 were completed laparoscopically. There was one conversion early in the experience because of a positive frozen section of the renal vein; however, additional vein and caval margins were negative. There was one complication - a pulmonary embolism 5 days postoperatively, managed with anticoagulation, with no disease recurrence 4 years later. Conclusion: In patients with T3b disease, laparoscopy is feasible and safe. Using advanced laparoscopic techniques to milk the tumor thrombus into the proximal renal vein with laparoscopic vascular instruments is critical to success in a purely laparoscopic thrombectomy. Placement of a gel port in the extraction incision early in the procedure may aid in hand-milking of the tumor thrombus into the renal vein in cases of extensive inferior vena cava involvement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1681-1685
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of endourology
Volume22
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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