Superior Mesenteric Artery Injury During Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Robotic Nightmare

Major vascular injuries during robotic renal surgery are rare, but the close proximity of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to the left renal artery means that it is liable to iatrogenic injury with potentially catastrophic implications. In this review, we present a case of accidental SMA ligation during a robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy for a 12-cm upper pole renal mass. Prompt recognition and early vascular surgical assistance with conversion to open surgery allowed a primary vascular anastomosis to be made. A computed tomography angiogram at 6 wk was normal. On review of the imaging, the left renal artery take-off was higher than the SMA, which represents an anatomical variant and may have contributed to the injury. The risk of accidental SMA ligation is highest in left-sided tumours and in larger medial tumours that lead to significant distortion of the anatomy. The anatomy of the renal artery can also vary greatly. Surgeons must be knowledgeable of common variations and meticulously review preoperative imaging for the number and course of renal vessels as well as the location of the SMA. In cases of significant bleeding, rapid conversion to open surgery and urgent vascular consultation are critical. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this article, we describe an accidental injury to a major blood vessel (the superior mesenteric artery) during a left robotic radical nephrectomy (kidney removal) for a tumour. We discuss the anatomical relationships of the blood vessels of the small bowel and kidneys, and how to anticipate, recognise, and manage such accidental injuries.