Vena Caval Involvement by Renal Cell Carcinoma

In 1972 we first reported that vena caval extension by tumor thrombus was a potentially curable lesion provided that complete removal could be achieved. We have developed a technique for safe removal of extensive vena caval thrombi extending up to the right atrium without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass or hypothermic cardioplegia. Cardiopulmonary bypass, however, is advocated for some type III thrombi, but the addition of the pump and heparinization compounds the magnitude of the procedure. We use a right thoracoabdominal approach for tumors arising from either kidney with vascular isolation of the vena cava from its insertion into the right atrium to the iliac bifurcation. From 1972 to 1988, 56 patients ranging in age from 31 to 76 years were evaluated and 53 underwent radical nephrectomy with en bloc vena caval tumor thrombectomy. Of these patients, 21 had subhepatic caval thrombus extension (level 1); 24 had extension into the intrahepatic vena cava (level 2), and 8 had thrombi extending into the heart (level 3). Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was 56%, 34%, and 25%, respectively. Crucial to survival was complete surgical excision. Successful extirpation of all apparent tumor was possible in 75% of the patients in this series. With an expected 5-year survival rate of 57% for those without metastatic disease to other organs, we continue to advocate an aggressive optimistic approach for patients if there is no preoperative evidence of metastatic disease.