Abstract
We report 2 cases of patch reconstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) by the great saphenous vein (GSV). To make a large patch, a GSV was opened longitudinally and then divided into two equal parts, which were set out in parallel to make a “two-sheets patch” graft. Case 1: A 28-year-old man with leiomyosarcoma infiltrating to the IVC underwent tumor excision and IVC reconstruction. The resected portion of the cava wall was 50 mm long and 30 mm wide. Blood flow was normal for 33 months after surgery. Case 2: A 59-year-old man with leiomyosarcoma, located in the retroperitonium between the IVC and right kidney. The tumor and right kidney were removed and IVC was reconstructed. His IVC was problem-free and anticoagulant therapy was unnecessary. However, he died of systemic metastasis 22 months later. In both cases, we had to resect large portions of the IVC, which usually requires replacement by vascular prosthesis. However we elected a “two-sheets patch” graft repair with the aim of avoiding prosthesis. In doing so, patients face a low risk of venous thrombosis and do not need anticoagulant therapy.
