Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal-Cell Carcinoma During Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare during pregnancy.
• Existing literature presents varied surgical timing and treatment strategies for RCC in pregnant individuals.
• This case represents a novel approach to managing renal tumors during gestation.

Observation:

• A 34-year-old pregnant woman at 14 weeks gestation was diagnosed with an incidentally detected right renal mass.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed a 6 × 6.5 × 6.5 cm endophytic tumor in the upper pole of the right kidney.
• The patient underwent a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Findings:

• The laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was successfully performed in a pregnant patient.
• The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no immediate complications reported.
• This marks the first documented instance of this minimally invasive procedure during pregnancy.

Implications:

• Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a viable nephron-sparing surgical option for appropriately selected pregnant patients with renal tumors.
• This technique preserves renal function while managing malignancy during pregnancy.
• Further research may explore the broader application and long-term outcomes of this approach.