A rare case of angiomyolipoma with renal vein invasion managed with laparoscopic nephrectomy.

We present the case of a 70-year-old female who was incidentally found to have a right angiomyolipoma extending into the renal vein, terminating 1 cm from the inferior vena cava. Due to the invasive nature of the angiomyolipoma in this case, surgical removal via a right laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed. This revealed an un-encapsulated but well-circumscribed fatty mass in the superior pole invading into the inferior vena cava, histologically consistent with a classic angiomyolipoma. Traditionally, patients with tumours extending into the inferior vena cava have been managed with an open surgical approach. Tumours with renal vein thrombus can be managed via an open or laparoscopic approach depending on the extent of vein invasion and local expertise. This is only the third reported case of angiomyolipoma with vascular invasion being treated laparoscopically. Despite the shorter length of the renal vein on the right side, this case demonstrates that a laparoscopic nephrectomy for the management of angiomyolipoma with renal vein thrombus is a feasible approach and would allow the patient faster recovery. Level of evidence: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]