Complete and partial replacement of the inferior vena cava with autologous peritoneum in cancer surgery.

Abstract

Resection of the inferior vena cava may be required in the courses of oncological surgeries for the tumors originating from or invading it. Management of the remaining defect depends on the extension of the resection. Partial or complete replacement of the inferior vena cava, with a patch or interposition graft, may be required. Standard techniques for the reconstruction with a prosthetic material or the autologous veins can be associated with the prosthetic graft infection, high cost, long-standing anticoagulation, technical difficulties, and/or need for extra incisions. The use of the autologous peritoneum represents an easy and inexpensive alternative for the partial and complete inferior vena cava reconstructions.