Ectopic (pelvic) kidney mimicking bulky lymph nodes at pelvic lymphadenectomy.
BACKGROUND
Ectopic (pelvic) kidney is the most common congenital renal anomaly with an incidence of 1 in 500 to 1 in 2000. A pelvic kidney can be encountered at pelvic or paraaortic lymphadenectomy.


METHODS
In two patients undergoing pelvic lymphadenectomy, lobulated tumors near the pelvic brim were initially interpreted as bulky lymph node conglomerates. Further dissection showed the ureter to originate from the masses, leading to a diagnosis of pelvic kidney.


CONCLUSIONS
Pelvic kidneys mistaken for bulky lymph nodes are a potential intraoperative pitfall in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Keys to recognition include an index of suspicion, identifying the course of the ureter and origin of the renal vessels, and confirming absence of a kidney at the normal location.
Bader
Arnim A
AA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, A-8036 Graz, Austria. arnim.bader@meduni-graz.at
Tamussino
Karl F
KF
Winter
Raimund
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged