Vena caval reconstruction during postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for metastatic germ cell tumor

Urology. 2009 Feb;73(2):442.e17-9. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2008.02.054. Epub 2008 Apr 24.

Abstract

We present our experience with inferior vena cava (IVC) reconstruction in patients undergoing post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) due to metastatic germ cell tumor. Four patients underwent IVC reconstruction with a prosthetic graft. Early postoperative leg edema was prevented in all 4. Long-term graft patency was maintained in 3 patients, who remained free of chronic venous disorders for a median follow-up of 19 months (range of 13-55 months). In a fourth patient, graft occlusion was noted during follow up, caused by compression of the graft by a recurrent tumor. We conclude that when resection of the IVC is indicated during PC-RPLND, replacement by a prosthetic graft may prevent immediate postoperative leg edema and later chronic venous insufficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / secondary
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / surgery*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery*
  • Young Adult