Ligation of an anatomic variant of renal vasculature during laparoscopic periaortic lymph node dissection: a cause of postoperative renal infarction.

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are becoming more sophisticated as complex procedures are being incorporated into gynecologic oncology in routine and investigative settings.

CASE

We present a case of an aberrant supernumerary right renal artery ligation during periaortic laparoscopic lymph node dissection for endometrial cancer. This injury resulted in infarction of the lower pole of the right kidney, with no late sequela.

CONCLUSIONS

The gynecologic oncologist should be aware of the possibility of aberrant renal vasculature, and special care should be taken to avoid accidental ligation of supernumerary renal arteries during dissection of the periaortic lymph nodes.