Renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney: A case report

Horseshoe kidneys are often considered a typical and frequently occurring type of kidney fusion anomaly when compared to other anomalies. Surgery for tumors that appear in horseshoe kidneys can challenging due to the abnormal vasculature and the potential need for isthmectomy. In such cases, open surgery remains a viable treatment option.

A 65-year-old African male patient hospitalized for total hematuria evolving for 6 months, and right lumbar pain without fever. The patient underwent a computed tomography scan, which revealed the presence of a solid mass occupying the junction of the isthmus and the inferior pole of left renal of a horseshoe kidney wish measured 30 mm. Tumorectomy was done by open lobotomy. The histological examination of the surgical specimen showed the presence of a clear cell carcinoma of the left kidney. After 52 months of clinical and radiological check-up, there was no functional complaint or any sign of recurrence.

Horseshoe kidneys are the most common fusion anomaly. These patients have an increased risk of malignant tumors, including renal cell carcinoma. Many studies indicate that horseshoe kidney tumors can be treated with partial nephrectomy, if feasible, with generally acceptable morbidity.

This report presents a successful case where open surgery was used to partially remove a horseshoe kidney affected by renal carcinoma. We believe that, in certain circumstances, such as the presence of complex vascularization or an unfavorably located tumor, open surgery remains a reliable option for nephron-sparing procedures.