Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

PURPOSE: We describe the presentation, evaluation and management of hemorrhage due to renal artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 345 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed by us during a 5-year period 6 patients (1.7%) had postoperative hemorrhage from a renal artery pseudoaneurysm. Patient charts were reviewed to identify pertinent preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3.5 cm (range 2.2 to 5), intraoperative blood loss was 175 cc (range 50 to 500), warm ischemia time was 32 minutes (range 30 to 45) and operative time was 3.8 hours (range 2.5 to 5). The mean percent of kidney excised was 31% and pelvicaliceal system entry was suture repaired in all 6 patients. No patient required blood transfusion perioperatively. Average hospital stay was 3.4 days (range 2.5 to 6). Delayed postoperative hemorrhage occurred at a median of 12 days (range 8 to 15). Angiography revealed a renal artery pseudoaneurysm most commonly at a third or fourth order branch (4 and 2 patients, respectively). Percutaneous embolization was successful in each patient. CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. These patients often present in delayed fashion. Selective angiographic embolization is the initial treatment of choice.