Renal autotransplantation for pheochromocytoma involving the renal hilar vessels with kidney preservation: a case report and literature review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Pheochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal medulla that frequently secrete excessive catecholamines. When such tumors involve the renal hilar vessels, ipsilateral nephrectomy has traditionally been preferred, as in situ dissection risks major vascular injury and massive catecholamine release. This study presents a 37-year-old man with a left adrenal pheochromocytoma presenting with a hypertensive crisis (blood pressure 260/110 mmHg). Intraoperatively, the tumor was found to encase the left renal artery and adhere densely to the left renal vein, so the kidney could not be preserved in situ . The left kidney was removed for ex vivo cold perfusion and bench preparation, the tumor was resected in situ , and the kidney was autotransplanted into the left iliac fossa. Histopathology confirmed a pheochromocytoma with malignant potential. At the 2-year follow-up, blood pressure and renal function remained normal without antihypertensive medication, with no evidence of recurrence. Renal autotransplantation combined with ex vivo bench surgery is a feasible kidney-preserving strategy for pheochromocytomas involving the renal hilar vessels.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7223127506