Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Pulmonary embolus originating from renal vein stump thrombus after laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: case report
N Lubezky1, E H Stern1, V Nair1
1Recanati-Miller Transplant Institute, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York.
Background:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an uncommon, life-threatening complication after living donor nephrectomy (LDN), and is considered among the most common causes for donor mortality. Most cases of postoperative PEs are thought to originate in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities.
Case Report:
A 56-year-old, healthy woman underwent laparoscopic left LDN. Her postoperative course was complicated by PE, presenting at postoperative day 7. Doppler ultrasonography of her lower extremities did not demonstrate DVT. Both transthoracic echocardiogram and contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a floating thrombus within the inferior vena cava (IVC) originating from a thrombus in the left renal vein stump. Symptoms resolved with systemic anticoagulation. Repeat transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated resolution of the IVC thrombus.
Conclusions:
Thrombus originating in left renal vein stump should be considered in patients who develop PE after LDN, especially when lower extremity DVT is not demonstrated.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

