Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Left Gonadal Vein Ligation Can Be the Right Treatment Option for Pelvic Congestion Symptoms Secondary to Nutcracker Syndrome

Abstract

The nutcracker phenomenon refers to compression of the left renal vein at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery and is often underdiagnosed. This can cause symptoms of pelvic venous congestion with retrograde venous flow and a dilated gonadal vein. Here we describe a case in a 39-year-old female, who following imaging investigations to confirm the diagnosis, underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic ligation of the left gonadal vein. Laparoscopic sterilization was also performed with the aid of the gynecologists. Multiparous women, who are more likely to develop pelvic congestion symptoms, more commonly request sterilization and thus we propose that a dual laparoscopic procedure in these cases could be the treatment of choice.