Embolization of renal artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for central renal tumor: A report of two cases

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has recently emerged as a minimally invasive treatment for small- to moderate-sized renal tumors. Renal artery pseudoaneurysms (RAPs) have been well-reported in patients with renal trauma or who have undergone percutaneous urological procedures, including biopsy, nephrostomy and percutaneous nephroureterolithotomy. However, RAP following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for central renal tumor is a rare but serious, potentially life-threatening complication. In total, two patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) for central renal tumors that had developed gross hematuria several weeks following the surgical procedures. The formation of RAPs was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans. Superselective embolizations of the renal artery branches were successfully performed to treat these two patients. In the current report, the etiology, diagnosis and management of RAPs are discussed.