# Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Right Heminephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Horseshoe Kidney

## TL;DR

This paper shows that a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective way to remove part of a horseshoe kidney affected by cancer.

## Contribution

The paper demonstrates the feasibility of using a retroperitoneal approach for heminephrectomy in horseshoe kidney cancer.

## Key findings

- The retroperitoneal approach allowed effective management of the isthmus vasculature.
- The inferior mesenteric artery served as a reliable anatomical landmark for isthmus transection.

## Abstract

Laparoscopic heminephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in horseshoe kidneys has been previously reported, but reports on the retroperitoneal approach remain limited. This paper presents a case demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of this surgical technique.

A 74‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with two renal cell carcinomas in the right side of a horseshoe kidney in contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. A laparoscopic right heminephrectomy was performed using a retroperitoneal approach. This approach allowed for effective management of the complex vasculature supplying the isthmus. Additionally, the inferior mesenteric artery served as a reliable anatomical landmark, facilitating the identification of the optimal site for isthmus transection.

Retroperitoneoscopic heminephrectomy is a safe and effective surgical option for renal cell carcinoma in patients with horseshoe kidneys and represents an anatomically rational approach.