Contemporary Management of Nutcracker Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare vascular disorder caused by compression of the left renal vein (LRV) in the para-aortic region. When symptoms are mild and tolerable, a conservative approach is preferred; otherwise, open, laparoscopic, robotic, or endovascular interventions may be required. Due to the rarity of the condition and variability in reported outcomes, selecting the optimal management strategy remains challenging. This study aims to systematically evaluate the current treatment strategies for NCS.

Methods: We systematically reviewed studies on NCS that included at least 2 cases treated with conservative management, LRV or LGV (left gonadal vein) transposition, renal autotransplantation (RAT), endovascular or extravascular stenting, or hybrid procedures. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science between August 2014 and January 2025. Data collection was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published in English, covering all age groups and without geographic restrictions, were considered eligible. Outcomes assessed included symptom resolution, improvement in flank pain and hematuria, and the need for reintervention.

Results: A total of 289 records were identified, and after screening, 24 studies comprising 578 patients were included. Interventions included endovascular stenting (n = 170), RAT (n = 137), extravascular stenting (n = 132), LRV transposition (n = 74), LGV transposition (n = 31), conservative management (n = 32), and hybrid technique (n = 2). The reported symptom resolution rates were endovascular stenting 76% (range: 50-100%), RAT 69%, extravascular stenting 80% (range: 71-100%), LRV transposition 92% (range: 87-100%), LGV transposition 61%, conservative management 52% (range: 28.5-76.2%), and hybrid techniques 50%. Following extravascular stenting, the aortomesenteric angle (AMA) increased from 20.6° to 44.5° (P < 0.001). The highest reintervention rate was observed after LRV transposition (28.5%), followed by endovascular stenting (11.3%) and RAT (7.2%), whereas no reinterventions were reported after extravascular stenting, LGV transposition, or hybrid procedures.

Conclusion: Although LRV transposition has historically been considered the primary treatment for NCS, a wide range of therapeutic options is now available, including conservative management, open surgery, and minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic, and endovascular procedures. Based on the current evidence, each approach has distinct advantages and limitations, and treatment selection should be individualized according to the patient's anatomical and clinical profiles. However, limited case numbers, short follow-up periods, and inconsistent outcome reporting hinder the development of a standardized treatment algorithm.