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Published on: January 9, 2026
Inferior vena cava anomalies during laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
Octavio A Castillo1, Rafael Sanchez-Salas, Juan Manuel Alvarez
1Section of Endourology and Laparoscopic Urology, Clínica Santa María, Providencia, Santiago de Chile, Chile. octaviocastillo@vtr.net
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 planning.
