Objective: To describe a case of robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN) with level III retrohepatic vena caval tumor thrombectomy (11 cm) and extended retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Materials and methods: A 52-year-old woman with a large right renal mass, 11-cm (level III) inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus, with a negative metastatic workup presented to our clinic and was consented to undergo RARN. Intraoperative ultrasound confirmed the presence of tumor thrombus. After the division of the renal artery, control of the vena cava above and below the tumor thrombus as well as contralateral renal vein was obtained. A cavotomy was performed, the thrombus was removed, and the cavotomy was repaired. Additionally, an extended RPLND was performed with robotic assistance.
Results: Total operative time was 6 hours and 6 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 1200 cc. The final pathology demonstrated an 8.5-cm, Fuhrman grade 3, clear cell RCC with sarcomatoid features and negative surgical margins. All 44 lymph nodes removed (hilar, paracaval, precaval, retrocaval, interaortocaval, and preaortic) were negative. Final staging was pT3b, N0, M0. The patient was discharged to home 36 hours postoperatively and experienced no perioperative or postoperative complications.
Conclusion: RARN with retrohepatic (level III) vena caval tumor thrombectomy and extended RPLND is technically feasible and has potential benefits. Robotic assistance may allow for improved intracorporal repair of the IVC and shortened recovery time, while maintaining oncologic principles.
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