Retroperitoneal drop metastases following robotic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

Rare retroperitoneal recurrence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma highlights the risk of tumor violation during surgery. A 61-year-old female with recurrent RCC in the retroperitoneum is presented six years after partial nephrectomy. Initial surveillance CT revealed a renal cyst and subsequent imaging confirmed clear cell RCC. Multiple small lesions indicated retroperitoneal recurrence. Surgical excision confirmed metastatic clear cell RCC. The proximity of the recurrence to the lower pole of the primary tumor suggests tumor violation as the cause. Respecting tumor boundaries during surgery is crucial to prevent metastasis and improve patient survival.