Surgical management of horseshoe kidney tumors. Literature review and analysis of two cases.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nThe horseshoe kidney is a rare congenital anomaly in the general population that combines renal ectopia, malrotation and abnormal vascular supply. The most frequently developed tumor in this case is renal cell carcinoma (50%). One of its main characteristics is great anatomical variation, especially in terms of vascular structures.\n\n\nMATERIAL AND METHODS\nWe present two cases of patients with diagnosis of renal tumor in horseshoe kidneys, both treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in our department. Additionally, we have carried a review of the current literature.\n\n\nDISCUSSION\nIndications for surgical treatment in this pathology are the same as in kidneys with normal anatomy. Traditionally, treatment has been open surgery, with heminephrectomy as surgery of choice. The current trend is to advocate nephron-sparing surgery, and the laparoscopic approach has been progressively gaining importance.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nA thorough imaging study is essential for proper surgical planning.