Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Left Renal Vein Transposition for the Treatment of Nutcracker Syndrome: A Preliminary Experience

Background The aim of this study was to describe our robot-assisted laparoscopic left renal vein (LRV) transposition experiences for nutcracker syndrome treatment. Methods From August 2016 through May 2017, three patients with nutcracker syndrome underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic LRV transpositions. The patient demographics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative morbidities were reviewed. Results Successful surgical procedures were performed in all three patients. The operative times for the three cases were 150, 175, and 162 minutes, respectively, while the LRV anastomosis times were 19, 22, and 13 minutes, respectively. No major perioperative complications were encountered, and the hematuria and flank pain were resolved in all three cases. At the 6-month follow-up, the computed tomography scan showed that the LRV narrowing had disappeared in two of the patients. Although one patient still exhibited LRV flattening, his symptoms were also relieved, and the varicose tributaries spontaneously ceased. Conclusions Robot-assisted laparoscopic LRV transposition can be a viable minimally invasive treatment option for patients with nutcracker syndrome.