Surgical treatment of nutcracker syndrome in Sub-Saharan Africa: Mid-term outcomes from a six-case series in Benin.

INTRODUCTION

Nutcracker syndrome is a rare vascular condition whose management has long been controversial. Data remain scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study is to report the clinical presentations and mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent surgical treatment for Nutcracker syndrome in Benin.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study conducted from November 2022 to January 2025. It included all patients who underwent surgical management of Nutcracker syndrome at our hospital during this period.

RESULTS

Six cases of Nutcracker syndrome were identified, all in male patients. The median age was 15.5 years [IQR: 13.5-16]. Left flank pain and varicocele were present in all patients. Abdominal Doppler ultrasound and abdominal CT angiography were performed in all cases. The mean aorto-mesenteric angle was 11.8° ± 2.7. The surgical procedure performed was transposition of the left renal vein into the inferior vena cava. Postoperative outcomes were satisfactory, with complete resolution of symptoms and no major complications or deaths during a median follow-up of 9 months [IQR: 8-13].

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for rare vascular anomalies is feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa with excellent results. This supports advocacy for improved technical infrastructure.