Duplicated Infrarenal Inferior Vena Cava in a Laparoscopic Live Renal Transplant Donor Nephrectomy

Abstract

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is the standard of care in live renal transplantation, offering faster recovery and greater donor acceptance. Complex vascular anatomy is a relative contraindication. We report two cases of donors with duplicated infrarenal inferior vena cava who underwent left three-dimensional (3D) transperitoneal laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy, highlighting the feasibility and safety of this approach. Preoperative computed tomography renal angiography enables informed decision-making and anticipates intraoperative difficulties. No significant complication was reported in our cases. Complex vascular anatomy should not be considered an absolute contraindication for renal transplantation; this expands the living kidney donor pool, where cadaveric donors are limited. 3D laparoscopy facilitates precise dissection in challenging anatomy, enhancing both donor safety and graft outcomes.