Unpredictable recurrence following partial nephrectomy for chromophobe renal cell carcinoma on an ectopic kidney: Case report and review of literature

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma is one of the 10 most common malignancies. Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the preferred treatment for localized ones. The incidence of local recurrence (LR) after a PN varies between zero and 17% in the literature. Managing a LR following PN is a challenging situation, both ablation therapy and salvage surgery are viable options. Case presentation: A 38-year-old woman with a history of a right open partial nephrectomy performed on an ectopic kidney four years ago, presented a loco regional recurrence, involving the right ovary and rectus muscle, which we managed by a radical nephrectomy with bilateral oophorectomy et resection of the rectus muscle nodules. Clinical discussion: LR of RCC after PN presents a clinically challenging scenario. Treatment options include ablative therapy or surgical salvage therapy, which can be either by radical nephrectomy or by repeat partial nephrectomy. Ablative therapy has less complication rate and is preferred for small LR or on a solitary kidney. Repeat PN is also an option for preserving renal function but with high risk of complication. RN is an option if PN is technically challenging, especially in patients with a functional contralateral kidney. Conclusion: Recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can manifest differently based on the primary treatment, as well as tumor and patient characteristics. Managing a LR following PN is a challenging situation, both ablation therapy and salvage surgery are viable options.