Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for ovarian cancer with double inferior vena cava

Double inferior vena cava (IVC) is present in 1.0%–3.0% of the general population and can create clinical problems [1,2]. This anomaly is classified according to the presence and pattern of an interiliac vein; 23% of double-IVC cases do not have an interiliac vein, and variations exist in those with one [3]. Fewreports on retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in patients with a double IVC exist. Herein, we show retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies in two patients with different double IVC classifications.

We performed an interval debulking surgery, including retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, in two cases of advanced ovarian cancer with double IVC. The retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy procedure was the same as that for patients with normal IVC. Case 1 involved a 53-year-old female having a double IVC without an interiliac vein. Case 2 involved a 51-year-old female having a double IVC with an interiliac vein from the right common iliac vein to the left IVC. Preoperative enhanced computed tomography revealed double IVC flow pattern in both cases; however, the presence of the interiliac vein in case 2 remained unrecognized.

Lymphadenectomy in case 1 was without complications. In case 2, major bleeding from the interiliac vein occurred during lymphatic tissue removal from the front of the sacral region. The bleeding was difficult to stop, and was finally stopped using Tacho Sil®. We then completed lymphadenectomy.

During retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in patients with a double IVC, it is important to determine the presence of an interiliac vein. Furthermore, its flow pattern should be considered with care.