[Resection and reconstruction of inferior vena cava and renal vein in surgical treatment of retroperitoneal tumours: a report of 11 cases]

Abstract

Objective: To improve the surgical resection rate of complicated retroperitoneal tumors which depends on handling of celiac major blood vessel.

Methods: 219 retroperitoneal tumours were resected from 1990 to 1997. Eleven of them were resected in combination of resections and reconstructions of inferior vena cava (IVC) and renal veins (RV). IVC below RV was resected in 5 cases, IVC below liver with resections of right kidney in 3 cases, IVC above RV in 1 case, major partial resections of left RV with anastomosis to left ovarian vein in 2 cases, and 1 of them with IVC resection.

Results: Follow-up showed transient bilateral lower limbs edema in 3 cases. The values of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were normal after operations, no changes were found in the kidneys under ultrasonic examination.

Conclusion: As the left renal vein has many branches and constant anastomotic branches that connect with peripheral veins, it can be ligated proximally; and it even can be resected when at least one of its branches (routinely lift sexual gland vein) can be kept to maintain the blood circulation. Reconstruction of IVC and RV is usually not necessary after the resection of IVC, unless the bilateral renal veins were obstructed.