Resection of renal cell carcinomas with inferior vena caval extension using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

Renal cell carcinoma with tumour thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava presents a difficult surgical challenge. The conventional surgical approach, which involves isolating the inferior vena cava, incising its wall and removing the thrombus, can have high incidences of perioperative mortality and embolization of the tumour thrombus compounded by severe hemorrhage. Four patients with renal cell carcinomas extending into the inferior vena cava were supported with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during tumour excision. All of the operations were successfully performed with no mortality and minimal morbidity. The technique allowed the surgeon to operate in a bloodless field, thereby improving visibility and allowing complete tumour excision without significantly prolonging operative time. It is believed that this technique has improved the safety and technical feasibility of what had previously been a complicated and risky surgical procedure.