Renal Arterial Pseudoaneurysm After Partial Nephrectomy: Literature Review and Single-Center Analysis of Predictive Factors and Renal Functional Outcomes

Partial nephrectomy (PN) represents the current surgical standard for T1 tumors. Renal arterial pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication reported after PN. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of pseudoaneurysm after PN, specifically focusing on those requiring management with selective embolization. A literature review of the topic was performed. A retrospective review of the institutional PN database was performed from January 2011 to December 2016. Patients who underwent embolization for pseudoaneurysm represented a separated cohort to be compared with other patients (controls). Patients' and tumors' characteristics were considered. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to test their eventual association with the occurrence of pseudoaneurysm. A total of 1417 cases were evaluated. At a median of 21 days (interquartile range = 10-34), 20 patients (1.4%) developed postoperative pseudoaneurysm. The majority of patients (70%) presented with gross hematuria. The clinical suspicion was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan with angiography. Selective embolization was performed using endovascular coils. Technical success and clinical success rates were 100% and 95%, respectively. No difference was found in percentage estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preserved between patients who underwent embolization versus controls (median 82.6% versus 86.3%, P = .35). No differences in age, baseline renal function (as assessed by glomerular filtration rate [GFR]), tumor size, and R.E.N.A.L. were found between patients who reported and did not report pseudoaneurysm. In patients who developed pseudoaneurysm, longer operative time (225.6 minutes versus 193 minutes, P = .04), and cold ischemia time (48 minutes versus 29 minutes, P = .03) were reported. In our series, the occurrence of pseudoaneurysm was associated with longer operative and cold ischemia times. In patients who underwent selective embolization, renal function remained comparable with that of controls.