Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in a pelvic ectopic kidney: keys to success.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy of a pelvic kidney for renal cell carcinoma is a procedure with little precedent, but one that offers the advantages of the minimally invasive approach. We present our experience with this unique procedure.


METHODS
A 64-year-old male with a history of end-stage renal disease was diagnosed with a 2.6-cm enhancing mass in a pelvic left kidney with 2 separate sources of blood supply. He was offered either an open radical nephrectomy or a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and opted for the minimally invasive approach.


RESULTS
The procedure was performed successfully without complications and with minimal blood loss. The case was marked both by difficulty in mobilizing the sigmoid colon and the limited working space of the pelvis, which made localization of the numerous hilar vessels challenging.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for a pelvic ectopic kidney appears to be safe and efficacious. Success is dependent on familiarity with pelvic anatomy, optimal port placement, and preprocedure knowledge of the often-complicated vascular anatomy of the ectopic kidney. Preoperative imaging to delineate anomalous vascular anatomy is mandatory, and ureteral catheter placement is helpful for intraoperative identification purposes.
Chung
Benjamin I
BI
Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA. bichung@stanford.edu
Liao
Joseph C
JC
D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed