Surgery and immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma involving inferior vena cava

We herein report 4 cases of renal cell carcinoma with vena caval extension. Appropriate diagnostic studies and a planned surgical approach is the most effective treatment for intravascular spread. Accurate preoperative staging is important for a successful outcome. Although the technical challenges involved in performing a nephrectomy are substantial, these cases illustrate that standard nephrectomy with evacuation of tumor thrombus, ligation of the left renal vein, and even partial resection of the inferior vena cava can be performed with an acceptably low morbidity.