THE NUTCRACKER SYNDROME - AN UNCOMMON CAUSE OF HEMATURIA

Objective To increase the awareness of this rare cause of haematuria a nd to describe the operative techniques available for its treatment. P atients and methods The investigation and treatment of five patients w ith the nutcracker syndrome have been reviewed. Results A new variant of the nutcracker syndrome is described. Using a combination of venoly sis, Gortex graft renal vein interposition and an anterior nephropexy, the haematuria of four patients has ceased and improved in one. Concl usion The nutcracker syndrome is a rare cause of haematuria which resp onds successfully to surgical treatment. Successful treatment does not appear to be related to lowering of the renal vein pressure.