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Updated: May 13, 2026
Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Retroperitoneoscopic left donor nephrectomy with duplicated IVC
S J Rizvi1, T Krishna Prasad, P R Modi
1Department of Urology and Transplantation, Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre, Civil Hospital Campus, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Insights
A duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC) does not preclude retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy. This surgical approach is feasible and safe for donors with this common vascular anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Live donor nephrectomy is crucial for kidney transplantation.
- Vascular anomalies, such as duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC), can complicate standard surgical procedures.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly preferred for donor nephrectomy.
Observation:
- A case of left-sided retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy in a donor with a duplicated IVC is presented.
- Preoperative computed tomography angiography accurately mapped the anomalous venous anatomy.
- The duplicated IVC was successfully managed by clipping and dividing it below the left renal vein confluence.
Findings:
- The retroperitoneoscopic approach was technically successful.
- The left renal vein had adequate length for recipient anastomosis.
- The recipient showed good graft function with a serum creatinine of 1.21% on postoperative day 7.
- The donor experienced an uneventful recovery.
Implications:
- Duplicated IVC should not be considered an absolute contraindication for left retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy.
- Accurate preoperative imaging is essential for planning complex donor nephrectomies.
- Minimally invasive techniques can be safely applied to donors with common vascular variations, expanding donor pool options.
Abstract:
Vascular anomalies increase the difficulty during live donor nephrectomy. We herein report a left-sided retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy performed in a donor with a duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC). Computed tomography angiography provided accurate delineation of the venous anatomy and allowed preoperative planning. The duplicated IVC was clipped and divided just below its confluence with the left renal vein. The length of the left renal vein was sufficient for anastomosis in the recipient, and the recipient's serum creatinine was 1.21% on day 7. The donor made an uneventful recovery. Duplicated IVC is not a contraindication for left retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy.
