Ligadura da Veia Renal Esquerda e Preservação da Função Renal pelas Colaterais nos Tumores Retroperitoneais / Left Renal Vein Ligation and Preservation of Renal Function Through the Collateral Circulation after Retroperitoneal Tumor Resection / Ligadura de la Vena Renal Izquierda y Preservación de la Función Renal por los Colaterales en los Tumores Retroperitoneales

Introdução: O retroperitônio pode apresentar diversas patologias e possui certa complexidade e mau prognóstico em virtude do íntimo contato e envolvimento de grandes vasos nas abordagens cirúrgicas. A cirurgia é a opção terapêutica associada à sobrevida prolongada. O estudo tem por objetivo demonstrar que é possível a preservação da função renal, pelas colaterais, após a ligadura ou ressecção da veia renal esquerda sem reconstrução vascular. Relato dos casos: Dois casos de pacientes com tumores retroperitoneais com invasão vascular local onde, para sua completa ressecção, fizeram-se necessárias a secção e a ligadura da veia renal esquerda. Evoluíram com preservação da função renal em razão da drenagem venosa pelas colaterais, não sendo necessária a reconstrução vascular. Além disso, foi realizada, para melhor discussão dos casos, revisão bibliográfica. Conclusão: A secção e ligadura da veia renal esquerda mostraram-se seguras nos dois pacientes tratados com ressecção de tumores retroperitoneais, não sendo a sua reconstrução obrigatória quando preservadas as colaterais para drenagem venosa.

Introduction: The retroperitoneum can present several pathologies that have a certain complexity and a poor prognosis due to their proximity to large vessels, the involvement of which complicates surgical approaches. Surgery is the therapeutic option associated with the longest survival. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that renal function can be preserved after ligation or resection of the left renal vein, without vascular reconstruction, if the collateral circulation remains functional. Case reports: We report two cases of patients with retroperitoneal tumors with local vascular invasion, the complete resection of which required division and ligation of the left renal vein. Postoperatively, both patients showed preserved renal function, because of collateral venous drainage, and vascular reconstruction was not necessary in either case. We also present a review of the literature on such cases. Conclusion: Division and ligation of the left renal vein proved to be safe in both of the patients undergoing retroperitoneal tumor resection, and reconstruction of the vein is not mandatory when the collateral circulation is preserved.

Introducción: El retroperitoneo puede presentar diversas patologías y posee cierta complejidad y mal pronóstico debido al íntimo contacto e implicación de grandes vasos en el abordaje quirúrgico. La cirugía es la opción terapéutica asociada a la supervivencia prolongada. El estudio tiene por objetivo demostrar que es posible la preservación de la función renal, por las colaterales, después de la ligadura o resección de la vena renal izquierda sin reconstrucción vascular. Relato de los casos: Dos casos de pacientes con tumores retroperitoneales con invasión vascular local donde, para su completa resección, se hizo necesaria la sección y ligadura de la vena renal izquierda. Evolucionaron con preservación de la función renal debido al drenaje venoso por las colaterales, no siendo necesaria la reconstrucción vascular. Además, se realizó, para una mejor discusión de los casos, revisión bibliográfica. Conclusión: La sección y ligadura de la vena renal izquierda se mostró segura en los dos pacientes tratados con resección de tumores retroperitoneales, no siendo su reconstrucción obligatoria cuando se preservaron las colaterales para drenaje venoso

Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica en angiomiolipoma renal con invasión de vena renal / Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy of angiomyolipoma with renal vein involvement

Background: Angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis may invade the renal vein and generate intramural thrombi. Case report: We report a 36-years-old woman, consulting for left flank pain. CT scan showed a large tumor in the left kidney consistent with the diagnosis of infiltrating renal angiomyolipoma with tumor invasion of the vein. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed, with removal of tumor thrombus. The operative time was 127 minutes and estimated bleeding 20 ml. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient is currently asymptomatic after 12 months of follow up. The pathological study of the surgical piece showed a renal angiomyolipoma with invasion of the kidney and a solid tumor in the lumen of the renal vein.

Objetivo: Se presenta el caso clínico de un Angiomiolipoma renal con extensión a vena renal, patología de muy baja frecuencia. Caso clínico: Mujer de 36 años, quien consulta por dolor en flanco izquierdo. En una tomografía computada se encuentra una lesión tumoral extensa del riñón izquierdo compatible con un Angiomiolipoma renal infiltrante e invasión tumoral de la vena renal. Se realiza nefrectomía laparoscópica, con extirpación de trombo tumoral. El tiempo operatorio fue de 127 min y el sangrado estimado de 20 ml. No hubo complicaciones intra ni postoperatorias. La paciente se encuentra actualmente asintomática luego de 12 meses de seguimiento. La histología mostró un Angiomiolipoma renal con invasión del riñón y un tumor sólido en el lumen de la vena renal. Conclusión: La invasión de vena renal por un Angiomiolipoma es extremadamente raro. Su resolución laparoscópica es posible, con sólo una comunicación previa en la literatura.

Study and clinical application of the anatomy of renal pedicles in retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy / Estudio y aplicación clínica de la anatomía de los pedículos renales en la nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica

This work aims to investigate the anatomical basis and clinical application value of renal pedicle locating in retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. To summarize the anatomical basis of renal pedicle locating through retrospective analysis of 278 cases of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy from July 2007 to September 2009, during which renal pedicle was located at about 2-4 cm below the medial arcuate ligament of the diaphragm in the space between the psoas major muscle and inferior vena cava (abdominal aorta) in the anatomical level of space before psoas. The operation of 278 patients was all successfully completed, where renal pedicle was quickly found. It took 3.5+/-1.3 min to locate the renal pedicle, and 95.6+/-23.8 min to operate. In retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, it is most preferable to locate renal pedicle in the space before psoas. The renal pedicle is located exactly at about 2-4 cm below the medial arcuate ligament of the diaphragm in the space between the psoas major muscle and inferior vena cava (abdominal aorta). The time for locating the renal pedicle can be shortened if the surgeon is familiar with the anatomic features of renal pedicle in retroperitoneoscopy, thereby saving the operation time.

El objetivo del estudio fue investigar las bases anatómicas y el valor de la aplicación clínica de la localización del pedículo renal en la nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica. Para resumir las bases anatómicas de la localizacion del pedículo renal se realizó el análisis retrospectivo de 278 casos de nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica desde Julio del 2007 a Septiembre del 2009. El pedículo renal se encontró a unos 2-4 cm por debajo del ligamento arqueado medial del diafragma en el espacio entre el músculo psoas mayor y vena cava inferior (o parte abdominal de la aorta) en el nivel anatómico del espacio anterior al músculo psoas mayor. La cirugía de los 278 pacientes fue completada exitosamente, encontrándose rápidamente el pedículo renal. El procedimiento para localizar el pedículo renal tomó 3,5+/-1,3 minutos y la cirugía completa 95.6+/-23.8 minutos. En la nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica, es preferible localizar el pedículo renal en el espacio anterior al músculo psoas mayor. El pedículo renal se encuentra alrededor de 2-4 cm por debajo del ligamento arqueado medial de la membrana en el espacio entre el músculo psoas mayor y vena cava inferior (parte abdominal de la aorta). El tiempo para localizar el pedículo renal se puede disminuir si el cirujano está familiarizado con las características anatómicas del pedículo renal en la retroperitoneoscopía, ahorrando así el tiempo total de la cirugía.

Tratamiento endovascular exitoso del síndrome de cascanueces con stent autoexpandible / Successful endovascular treatment of nutcracker's syndrome with self-expanding stent

El síndrome de cascanueces (nutcracker's syndrome) se produce por compresión de la vena renal izquierda a su paso por la horquilla vascular, formada por la aorta y la arteria mesentérica superior, causando una compresión extrínseca que genera estenosis funcional de la misma. Esto produce congestión e hipertensión de la vena renal izquierda que se traduce en insuficiencia y várices de la vena gonadal izquierda, hematuria unilateral y dolor lumbar izquierdo, el diagnóstico pocas veces se realiza, por su baja frecuencia y por la falta de sospecha clínica. El tratamiento del síndrome de cascanueces incluye el autotransplante renal, trasposición de arteria mesentérica superior, revascularización y más recientemente, la colocación de stent en la vena renal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que fue sometido a tratamiento endovascular exitoso con un stent autoexpandible en la vena renal izquierda, con criterios inmediatos de éxito por angiografía, reducción de la congestión venosa y por desaparición del gradiente cavo/renal.

Nutcracker's syndrome is caused by compression of the left renal vein between aorta and superior mesenteric artery, causing extrinsic compression generated functional stenosis. This causes congestion and hypertension of the left renal vein resulting in insufficiency and left gonadal vein varicose, unilateral hematuria and left flank pain, diagnosis is rarely identified by their low frequency and difficulty of suspecting, treatment of nutcracker's syndrome include renal autotransplantation, transposition of superior mesenteric artery revascularization and recently stenting in renal vein, we present the case of a patient, who showed this pathology by diagnostic support by image studies, was performed successfully implant a self-expanding stent with immediate success criteria by angiography, collateral reduction and by disappearance of cava/renal gradient.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the treatment of a renal cell carcinoma with a level ii vena cava thrombus

Excision of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with corresponding vena cava thrombus is a technical challenge requiring open resection and vascular clamping. A 58 year old male with a right kidney tumor presented with a thrombus extending 1 cm into the vena cava. Using a hand-assisted transperitoneal approach through a 7 cm gel-port, the right kidney was dissected and the multiple vascular collaterals supplying the tumor were identified and isolated. The inferior vena cava was mobilized 4 cm cephalad and 4 cm caudal to the right renal vein. Lateral manual traction was applied to the right kidney allowing the tumor thrombus to be retracted into the renal vein, clear of the vena cava. After laparoscopic ultrasonographic confirmation of the location of the tip of the tumor thrombus, an articulating laparoscopic vascular stapler was used to staple the vena cava at the ostium of the right renal vein. This allowed removal of the tumor thrombus without the need for a Satinsky clamp. The surgery was completed in 243 minutes with no intra-operative complications. The entire kidney and tumor thrombus was removed with negative surgical margins. Estimated blood loss was 300 cc. We present a laparoscopic resection of a renal mass with associated level II thrombus using a hand-assisted approach. In patients with minimal caval involvement, our surgical approach presents an option to the traditional open resection of a renal mass.

Right renal vein elongation with the inferior vena cava for cadaveric kidney transplants: an old neglected surgical approach

INTRODUCTION: Short right renal vein is a frequent and well-known technical inconvenience that is commonly observed during transplantation of the right kidney. We present our experience with the elongation of short cadaveric right renal veins using the contiguous vena cava during cadaveric renal transplants. METHODS: We performed 34 kidney transplantations with a short right renal vein requiring elongation using the inferior vena cava, to make the venous anastomosis technically feasible. The elongated right renal vein was anastomosed end to side to the external iliac vein in 24 patients, to the common iliac vein in 8 patients and to the inferior vena cava in 2 patients. The right renal artery with an aortic patch was implanted end to side in 33 patients, and end to end without aortic patch to the internal iliac artery in one patient. RESULTS: In all cases, the vascular anastomoses were easily performed in the recipient and no thrombosis was observed. CONCLUSION: Elongation of a short right renal vein with the inferior vena cava is a feasible mean to overcome technical problems that may compromise the results of cadaveric renal transplantation.

The boatman's knot: a new option for renal hilum ligation during laparoscopic nephrectomy

OBJETIVO: Os autores apresentam e descrevem uma adaptação original para o uso do nó de barqueiro na ligadura da veia renal durante a nefrectomia laparoscópica. O procedimento pode substituir a necessidade da sutura mecânica endovascular, considerada o tratamento padrão, mas não disponível em muitas instituições no Brasil. Este nó é tembém conhecidocomo "nó de porco" em várias fazendas no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Quatorze nefrectomias laparoscópicas foram realizadas pou um único cirurgião utilizando a técnica padrão em sete porcas. A veia e a artéria renal foram ligadas utilizando o "nó de barqueiro" como o único método de hemostasia. Dois nós foram colocados tanto na artéria quanto na veia renal, um deles proximal e o outro distal, e os vasos seccionados entre os nós. Esta técnica é baseada a confecção intra-corpórea de duas alças pela mão direito com um par de pinças, com o auxílio da mão esquerda. Após a secção dos vasos, as condições da hemostasia foram observadas. RESULTADOS: Todas as nefrectomias laparoscópicas foram realizadas com sucesso. O "nó de barqueiro" foi realizado pelo mesmo cirurgião sem complicações nem dificuldades, obtendohemostasia completa em todos os casos como técnica única. CONCLUSÃO: O nó de barqueiro é uma técnica factível e segura para o controle do hilo renal durante a nefrectomia laparoscópica em porcos. Entretanto, a eficácia e segurança desta técnica deve ser avaliada por outros cirurgiões antes da recomendadção do emprego na prática clínica.

Emergency inferior mesenteric vein to left renal vein shunt in variceal bleeding: an alternative technique.

Shunt procedures being used in the emergency surgical management of variceal bleeding include total (portocaval shunt-PCS), partial (mesocaval H graft shunt-MCS) or selective shunts (distal splenorenal shunt-DSRS). We report the use of inferior mesenteric vein to left renal vein (IMV to LRV) shunt in an emergency situation in a 24 year old patient with noncirrhotic portal hypertension with variceal bleeding.

Kidney function after left renal vein ligation in the dog

The ligature of the left renal vein is an alternative whenever this vessel is injured. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of the affluents of the left renal vein, proximal to the ligature, to maintain tissue vitality and function of the left kidney. Fifteen mongrel male dogs were divided in 3 groups of 5 dogs: Group I (control) - a laparotomy was performed, and the abdominal structures were only identified; Group II - the left renal vein was tied, close to vena cava; Group III - the same procedure as for Group II and a right nephrectomy. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were measured before the procedure, and every 3 days during 4 weeks in the postoperative period. Renal arteriography and an excretory urogram were performed on the animals that survived 60 days. Thereafter, or immediately after precocious death, the kidneys were removed for histological examination. All the animals of Group III died before two months (mean = 10.5 +-3.2 days), while the animals of Group II survived during that period. There was a complete exclusion of the left kidney in all dogs that underwent renal vein ligature. In the animals of Group II, the renal cortico-medullary limits could not be identified. At microscopy, the aspect was suggestive of nephrosclerosis. In the animals of Group III, the left kidney was enlarged, and a great amount of intravascular and intrapelvic blood clots were observed. At microscopy, extensive areas of necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hemorrhage were identified. In conclusion, the tributaries of the renal vein were not sufficient to maintain the tissue vitality and function of the left kidney after ligature of its main vein

Brief report: successful extension of the transplant renal vein with a synthetic vascular graft

Unexpected intraoperative vascular complications in the graft of the recipient during organ transplantation can be most vexing and require immediate attention and careful management so as not to impair the integrity and fate of the graft. We were confronted with a diabetic recipient with total fibrosis of the left iliac vein, patent inferior vena cava, totally and circumferentially calcified aorta and left iliac artery with the exception of a small area in the distal external iliac artery. The problem was solved by anastomosing the artery low onto the external iliac, and by interposing a venous polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft between the renal vein and the inferior vena cava. The kidney function was excellent for 2 years but the patient succumbed to unrelated liver complications. A second patient with a renal vein PTFE graft has had normal graft function for 10 years. Probably because of the high blood flow through the kidney, venous synthetic grafts can be successfully used to correct venous problems during kidney transplantation

Ligation of the left renal vein in epm1-Wistar rats: functional and morphologic alterations in the kidneys, testes and suprarenal glands

Objective: The ligation of the left renal vein (LLVR) in man is a contraversial procedure in view of the risks of lesion to the renal parenchyma. With the objective of studying the morphologic and functional alterations caused by these lesions, we conducted experimental research with rats. Material and Methods: 64 male adult EPM1-WISTAR rats were used, divided into 8 groups - 4 for LLRV and four control. Each LLRV group and corresponding control group were sacrificed progressively on the 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th day after the initial surgery. Results: We found morphofunctional alterations only in animals that underwent LLRV in the four periods of sacrifice. The proteinuria creatinine in serum, testosterone in serum and serum corticosterone in serum showed practically no alteration in relation to the normal values for rats. Statistically significant severe histological lesions were found in the kidneys and testes of the LLRV groups. Lesions in the suprarenal glands were also present in these groups, but no sufficient to demonstrate statistical significance Conclusion: Based on these results we can conclude that the ligation of the left renal vein is a procedure of high risk in these animals.

Postnephrectomy arteriovenous fistula

The development of the postnephrectomy arteriovenous fistula (PNAVF) between the renal vessels stumps is rare. Here we present a case report of PNAVF, and review the diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The most common clinical features include a loud murmur over the previous nephrectomy scar, and heart failure resistant to common medical treatment. A 58-year-old white woman was admited to the hospital for a complete evaluation of an unexplained congestive heart failure with no respponse to common medical treatment. She had had a right nephrectomy for pynophrosis 13 years before. The diagnosis of PNAVF was suspected because over the right lumbar region a definite trill was palpated, and on auscultation a harsh, machinery-like murmur was heard. The diagnosis was confirmed by aortogram and selective renal arteriography. In May 1989, the right arteriovenous was excised through a right subcostal transperitoneal approach. The renal vessel stumps were individually ligated and sutured separately close to aorta and vena cava. The patient's postoperative course was entirely uneventful in the following seven years. We conclude that during nephrectomy, the renal vessels should be ligated separately, and the transfixation in mass of the stumps avoided to prevent arteriovenous fistula.

Autotrasplante renal en la infancia / Kidney autotransplantation in childhood

Se presenta una paciente de 8 años de edad, de sexo femenino, con hipertensión arterial severa secundaria a estenosis de la arteria renal izquierda. Los estudios complementarios revelaron buena funcionalidad del riñón afectado y por la ubicación de la estenosis se realizó cirugía de autotransplante con muy buena evolución posterior

Effect of acute occlusion of left renal vein on the kidney: an experimental study in dogs.

To study the effects of acute ligation of the left renal vein an experimental study was carried out on 16 Mongrel dogs out of 18 of which 2 had died postoperatively. The right kidney served as control. Changes immediately after ligation were recorded; subsequently the dogs were sacrificed in 4 groups comprising 4 in each at intervals of 24 hours, one week, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. Both the kidneys were removed and gross and microscopic changes were noted. In all cases atrophy of the ligated kidney due to tubular atrophy and fibrosis were seen in spite of good collaterals. It is concluded that left renal vein ligation in dogs is not safe for the kidney, though it is not fatal.

Empleo del filtro de Greenfield en pacientes con cáncer, trombosis venosa profunda y/o tromboembolismo pulmonar / Use of Greenfield's filter in patients with cancer, deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary tromboembolism

Presentamos nuestra experiencia de agosto de 1987 a febrero de 1993 en el manejo de 15 pacientes (10, masc. y 5 fem.) con cáncer, trombosis venosa profunda y/o tromboembolismo pulmonar, que requirieron colocación del filtro de Greenfield (4 de acero inoxidable y 11 de titanio), 14 en posición infrarrenal y 1 en posición suprarrenal, con técnica de venodisección en 4 pacientes y por venopunción o técnica percutánea en 11