Ex vivo nephron-sparing surgery and kidney autotransplantation for renal tumors

The nephron-sparing techniques allow the excision of kidney tumors preserving renal function and ensuring adequate oncological results. We describe a case of a 77-year-old patient who underwent an ex vivo partial nephrectomy with orthotopic autotransplantation for kidney cancer. The postoperative course was marked by bleeding which required radiological embolization. Postoperative dialysis was required for about 1 month. The anatomopathological examination showed a clear cell carcinoma staged pT1b, pNX, R0. At 2 years follow-up, no recurrence was detected with a complete renal function restoration. Our experience shows that ex vivo nephron-sparing surgery with autotransplantation is a good alternative to total nephrectomy in the case of voluminous or perihilar tumors. Considering the high morbidity of this procedure, it should be only performed in specialized centers.