Use of posterior radial nephrotomy in laparoscopic enucleation of renal hilar tumors

Abstract

Centrally located completely endophytic renal hilar tumors pose a technical challenge, especially during a minimally invasive surgery. Relation of the tumor to the renal vasculature decides the approach. Tumors placed anterior to the vasculature can be approached in the anterior trans-hilar manner. However, tumors placed posterior to the vasculature need a posterior approach, which is quite a difficult maneuver during transperitoneal laparoscopy. Adequate exposure to access the resection plane is the key principle. We describe a laparoscopic technique for enucleation of such tumors, applying the surgical principle of radial nephrotomy in the intersegmental plane which is usually performed to remove renal stones.