Removal of renal tumours from thoracoabdominal incision

It is stressed that the 5-year survival in the T3 stage renal tumour patients is decisively influenced by the radical removal of the tumorous kidney. It is, however, often difficult to secure radicality. According to the authors' experience, radicality can be ensured by extrapleural throacoabdominal incision also in the case of large renal tumours. This way of exploration combines the advantages of both the abdominal and high lumbar incisions. It facilitates postoperative care by making thoracic drainage unnecessary.