Abstract
Background:
Renal cancer may present with venous tumor extension, which could involve either the renal vein or, in more advanced cases, the inferior vena cava, and that may require surgical intervention. Compared with traditional open surgery, Robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages. However, adoption of robotic approach in treating these advanced cases, especially using daVinci single-port (SP) platform, remains a matter of debate.
Methods:
Two patients, a 67-year-old male and a 42-year-old female, presented with primary large left renal masses, with venous tumor thrombus involving ipsilateral renal vein. Both underwent radical nephrectomy with concurrent ipsilateral renal vein thrombectomy using daVinci SP platform: one via transperitoneal and one via retroperitoneal.
Results:
Both procedures were completed successfully without the necessity for conversion to open surgery. Key postoperative outcomes are briefly reported.
Conclusion:
Robotic radical nephrectomy and concurrent renal vein thrombectomy are safe and feasible procedures using the daVinci SP platform, via both surgical approaches. The choice of access should be tailored to patient anatomy and thrombus characteristics. The article highlights specific advantages and limitations of each approach, and of the use of daVinci SP platform. This video serves as an educational tool for urologic surgeons and contributes to the ongoing discussion on the optimal surgical strategy.
Running time Video: 5 min 16 sec.
Keywords