Inferior vena cava anomalies during laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection

Abstract

Purpose: To report our experience with congenital inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies found during laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LRPLND). Patients and Methods: Two men with a mean age of 31.5 years (range 26-37 years) underwent LRPLND because of nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCT) between December 2003 and July 2004. A four-port technique was used. A left IVC anomaly was found in both patients. The two operations were performed with no serious immediate complications and minimal blood loss. Congenital IVC anomalies were identified intraoperatively. A left-sided template modified because of anatomic variation was used. Results: Mean operative time was 95 minutes (range 60-130 min). Both patients remain without tumor recurrence at a median of 24.5 months of follow-up (range 15-34 months). Conclusion: Although uncommon, IVC anomalies must be considered when performing LRPLND because of potential complications. Preoperative studies are essential in surgical planni