Results of Radical Nephrectomy and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) with invasion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare and mortal condition. Patients with RCC have an average life expectancy of no more than six months, thus requiring an aggressive surgical approach. We analyze the outcomes of patients that underwent surgery at a single medical institution.

Recent findings: The analysis of recent series of successful treatment with radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy shows a 5 year survival from 45 to 69%. We found in the analyzed series that the success of the treatment in these patients depends on the resection of the renal tumor and venous thrombectomy. We found that at our medical institution nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy with primary repair have no intraoperative mortality and no pulmonary embolism. Nephrectomy and thrombectomy of IVC is a reliable approach for patients with advance RCC.

Keywords: Inferior vena cava; Renal cell carcinoma; Vena cava thrombectomy.