Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for a neuroendocrine tumor in a horseshoe kidney: a case report

Neuroendocrine tumors of the kidney are exceedingly rare. We report the first case of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for such tumors in horseshoe kidneys. A 65-year-old woman was incidentally found to have a 27 mm renal mass in the isthmus of her horseshoe kidney during computed tomography. Based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography results, we initially suspected renal cell carcinoma originating from the horseshoe kidney. Subsequently, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy with isthmus transection was performed. Intraoperatively, we adjusted the port position for camera insertion and the patient's positioning to facilitate better visualization for dorsal isthmus and vessel dissection. Pathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. Therefore, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is a safe and effective approach for managing neuroendocrine tumors in the isthmus of horseshoe kidneys. Given the nonspecific clinical presentation of renal neuroendocrine tumors and their rarity, the optimal management of these tumors remains controversial.