Management of renal cell carcinoma with level III thrombus in the inferior vena cava

Circumferential Inferior Vena Cavectomy Without Caval Replacement in the Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Renal cell carcinoma presents a unique proclivity for vascular involvement giving rise to a peculiar form of locally advanced disease so-called tumor thrombus. To date, the only curative strategy for these cases remains surgery, which should aim to remove every vestige of macroscopic disease. Most of the preexisting literature advocates opening the vena cava to allow tumor thrombus removal and subsequent venous suture closure. However, inferior vena cava circumferential resection (cavectomy) without caval replacement is possible in the majority of cases since progressive occlusion facilitates the development of a collateral venous network aimed at maintaining cardiac preload.

RECENT FINDINGS

Radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy remains a surgical challenge not exempt of operative complications even in experienced hands. In opposition to what traditional cavotomy and thrombus withdrawal can offer, circumferential cavectomy without caval replacement would provide comparable or even better oncologic control, decrease the likelihood of operative bleeding, and prevent the development of perioperative pulmonary embolism. This review focuses on the rationale of circumferential IVC resection without caval replacement and the important technical aspects of this approach in cases of renal cell carcinoma with vascular involvement. We also include an initial report on the surgical outcomes of a contemporary series of patients managed under this approach at our center.

Renal cell carcinoma with an "uncoiling" tumor thrombus: intraoperative shift from level III to level IV

BACKGROUND

The gold standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumor thrombus (TT) is complete surgical excision. The surgery is complex and challenging to the surgeon, especially with large tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium. Traditionally, these difficult cases required the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with or without deep hypothermic cardiac arrest, but in recent years, different surgical techniques derived from the field of liver transplantation have been used in efforts to avoid CPB.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of RCC with TT level IIIc (extending above major hepatic veins) that "uncoiled" intraoperatively into the right atrium after division of the IVC ligament, transforming into a level IV TT. Despite the new TT extension, the surgery was successfully completed exclusively through an abdominal approach without CPB and while using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) monitoring and a cardiothoracic team standby.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the utility of intraoperative continous TEE monitoring which helped to visualize the change of the TT venous extension, allowing the surgical teamto modify their surgical approach as needed avoiding a catastrophic event.

A Narrative Review on Robotic Surgery as Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common diagnosis, of which a notable portion of patients present with an extension into the venous circulation causing an inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus. Venous extension has significant implications for staging and subsequent treatment planning, with recommendations for more aggressive surgical removal, although associated surgical morbidity and mortality is relatively increased. The methods for surgical removal of RCC with IVC thrombus remain complex, particularly surrounding the use of robot-assisted surgery. Robot assistance for radical nephrectomy in this context is recently emerging. Thrombus level has important implications for surgical technique and prognosis. Other preoperative considerations may include location, laterality, size, and wall invasion. The urology literature on treatment of such tumors is largely limited to case series and institutional studies that describe the feasibility of various surgical options for these complex tumors. Further understanding of the outcomes and patient-specific risk factors would shed increased light on the optimal treatment for such cases. This narrative review provides a thorough overview on the previously reported use of robot-assisted nephrectomy in RCC with IVC thrombus to inform further studies which may optimize outcomes and guide shared decision-making.

Cine magnetic resonance imaging predicts thrombus adhesion in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: A case of pathological complete response with pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus is a challenging disease that requires a multimodal treatment approach. Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib has displayed promising efficacy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man was diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and a tumor thrombus adhering to the inferior vena cava wall by cine magnetic resonance imaging. After 6 months of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib therapy, tumor shrinkage was detected, excluding the advanced portion of the inferior vena cava thrombus, and nephrectomy and thrombectomy were performed. Adhesion of the tumor thrombus to the inferior vena cava wall was observed during surgery. Resection produced a remarkable pathological complete response with no viable cells in the resected specimens, including the thrombus site.

Conclusion

This case highlights the potential of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava thrombus and the utility of cine magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating thrombus adhesion to the inferior vena cava.

Renal Cell Carcinoma with Venous Extension: Safety of Laparoscopic Surgery for Thrombus Levels I-IIIa

Background: Novel studies are helping to consider minimally invasive surgery for treating patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus. Evidence regarding its feasibility and safety is still sparse and does not include a subclassification for level III thrombi. We aim to compare the safety of laparoscopic vs open surgery in patients with levels I-IIIa thrombus. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional comparative study using single-institutional data on adult patients treated surgically between June 2008 and June 2022. Participants were categorized into open and laparoscopic surgery groups. Primary outcome was difference in the incidence of 30-day major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III-V) between groups. Secondary outcomes were differences in operative time, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood transfusions, delta hemoglobin level, 30-day minor complications (Clavien-Dindo I-II), estimated overall survival, and progression-free survival between groups. A logistic regression model was performed including adjustment for confounding variables. Results: Overall, 15 patients in the laparoscopic group and 25 patients in the open group were included. Major complications occurred in 24.0% of patients within the open group and 6.7% of patients were treated laparoscopically (p = 0.120). Minor complications arose in 32.0% of patients treated with open surgery and in 13.3% of patients treated in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.162). Although not significant, there was a higher perioperative death rate within open surgery cases. The laparoscopic approach presented a crude odds ratio for major complications of 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.02-2.1, p = 0.191) compared with open surgery. No differences were found between groups regarding oncologic outcomes. Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach for patients with venous thrombus levels I-IIIa seems to be as safe as open surgery.

Surgical Approach in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review

The treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has undergone considerable advances in the last two decades. Cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy retains a role in patients with a limited metastatic burden. The choice of optimal treatment regimen remains a matter of debate. The article summarises the current role of surgery in metastatic kidney cancer.

Current Approaches in Surgical and Immunotherapy-Based Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 2-3% of all malignant disease in adults, with 30% of RCC diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic stages of disease. A form of locally advanced disease is the tumor thrombus (TT), which commonly grows from the intrarenal veins, through the main renal vein, and up the inferior vena cava (IVC), and rarely, into the right cardiac chambers. Advances in all areas of medicine have allowed increased understanding of the underlying biology of these tumors and improved preoperative staging. Although the development of several novel system agents, including several clinical trials utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapies, has been shown to lower perioperative morbidity and increase post-operative recurrence-free and progression-free survival, surgery remains the mainstay of therapy to achieve a cure. In this review, we provide a description of specific surgical approaches and techniques used to minimize intra- and post-operative complications during radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy of RCC with TT extension of various levels. Additionally, we provide an in-depth review of the major developments in neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy-based treatment and the impact of ongoing and recently completed clinical trials on the surgical treatment of advanced RCC.

Treatment of acute intraoperative Budd-Chiari syndrome by placement of silicone prosthesis

Complete liver mobilization for major resections sometimes causes liver tilting due to the release of the suspensory elements of the liver. Rarely this may take to a liver abnormal position with acute obstruction to venous flow at the suprahepatic level (Budd-Chiari syndrome). To avoid this complication, techniques such as post-operative stent implantation have been described. The case of a patient who underwent a complete mobilization of the liver for resection of the inferior venous cava and a right renal tumor, was reported. After that, an acute Budd-Chiari Syndrome was observed caused of the liver malposition, which was solved with the placement of two silicone prostheses in the liver cell.

Contemporary techniques and outcomes of surgery for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma with focus on inferior vena cava thrombectomy: the value of a multidisciplinary team

Objective

To report the outcomes of surgery for a contemporary series of patients with locally advanced non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated at a referral academic centre, focusing on technical nuances and on the value of a multidisciplinary team.

Methods

We queried our prospective institutional database to identify patients undergoing surgical treatment for locally advanced (cT3-T4 N0-1 M0) renal masses suspected of RCC at our centre between January 2017 and December 2020.

Results

Overall, 32 patients were included in the analytic cohort. Of these, 12 (37.5%) tumours were staged as cT3a, 8 (25.0%) as cT3b, 5 (15.6%) as cT3c, and 7 (21.9%) as cT4; 6 (18.8%) patients had preoperative evidence of lymph node involvement. Nine (28.1%) patients underwent nephron-sparing surgery while 23 (71.9%) received radical nephrectomy. A template-based lymphadenectomy was performed in 12 cases, with evidence of disease in 3 (25.0%) at definitive histopathological analysis. Four cases of RCC with level IV inferior vena cava thrombosis were successfully treated using liver transplant techniques without the need for extracorporeal circulation. While intraoperative complications were recorded in 3 (9.4%) patients, no postoperative major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) were observed. At histopathological analysis, 2 (6.2%) patients who underwent partial nephrectomy harboured oncocytoma, while the most common malignant histotype was clear cell RCC (62.5%), with a median Leibovich score of 6 (interquartile range 5–7).

Conclusion

Locally advanced RCC is a complex and heterogenous disease posing several challenges to surgical teams. Our experience confirms that provided careful patient selection, surgery in experienced hands can achieve favourable perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes.

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus initially misdiagnosed as bland thrombus due to hypercoagulable state

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus can be misdiagnosed as an inferior vena cava thrombosis if not evaluated carefully with imaging. We describe a case of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus that was initially misdiagnosed as an inferior vena cava thrombosis due to a possible hypercoagulable state. After 7 months of anticoagulation therapy with no improvement, a right radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass, and a diagnosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma with a level-IIId tumor thrombus was confirmed with no presence of a bland thrombus. We demonstrate the complexity of identifying and treating renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus and the importance of differentiating between a malignant thrombus and a bland thrombus.

Surgical Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma with Venous Tumor Thrombus: A Liver Transplant-Based Approach

Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) with venous tumor thrombus (TT) that extends into the renal vein (RV) and inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare entity and its management is a surgical challenge. We report the largest single experience of surgical management of UTUC and accompanying venous TT with radical nephroureterectomy and tumor thrombectomy (RNATT) using transplant-based (TB) surgical techniques. From September 2003 to June 2021, nine patients with UTUC and venous TT underwent RNATT. Demographics, disease characteristics, surgical details, 30-day postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. All nine patients had extension of the TT into the RV. Of those, seven had additional extension of the TT into the IVC. Venous TT level was categorized as 0 (n = 2), I (n = 2), II (n = 4), and IIIa (n = 1). Median tumor size was 12 cm (range 3–20 cm). Median estimated blood loss was 300 (range 150–1000) cc. One patient was still alive at last follow-up (4 months), and in total, eight patients have died with a median time-to-death of 12 months (range 10 days–24 months). RNATT using TB maneuvers like liver mobilization and pancreas-spleen en bloc mobilization provide excellent exposure to the retroperitoneal space and enable the safe removal of UTUC with venous TT.

Renal Cell Carcinoma With Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus in Two Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Strategy for Surgical Removal

Surgical management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumor thrombus (TT) extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and up to the hepatic veins and right atrium (RA) continues to be problematic and a challenging surgical operation. It becomes even more complicated when performing a re-sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Here, we report on two patients with previous CABG who presented with RCC and TT extending into the hepatic vein and above the diaphragm. These two patients underwent successful surgical resection and TT thrombectomy without the need of CBP. Recommendations are made for successfully accomplishing such surgical resections, including adequate prior preparation for the possible need to perform re-sternotomy and CPB with a coordinated team effort.

Controversies in the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus

Diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombosis remains a challenge today, requiring multidisciplinary teams, mainly in tumor thrombus levels III-IV. Our objective is to present the various diagnostic techniques used and its controversies. A review of the most relevant related articles between January 2000 and August 2020 has been carried out in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo. Continuous technological development has allowed progress in its detection, in the approximation of the histological subtype, and in the determination of tumor thrombus level. Regardless of the imaging technique used for its diagnosis (CT, MRI, TEE, ultrasound with contrast), the time elapsed until treatment is vitally important to reduce the risk of complications, some of them fatal, such as pulmonary thromboembolism.

Renal Cell Carcinoma with or without Tumor Thrombus Invading the Liver, Pancreas and Duodenum

Simple Summary

Renal cell carcinoma rarely invades the surrounding visceral structures. While surgical extirpation has been the mainstay of treatment for the localized disease, the role of surgery in cases of venous involvement, adjacent invasion or distant metastasis remains controversial. Furthermore, the surgical option may represent a challenge. A large series of locally advanced renal cancer with involvement of the liver, pancreas, and/or duodenum, sometimes in conjunction with tumor thrombus extending inside the inferior vena cava is herein reported. Our series establishes the technical feasibility of this complex surgical procedure with acceptable complication rates, no perioperative death, and potential for durable response. With the use of new systemic therapy schedules, these patients will probably have a better opportunity of survival extension.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of a series of patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent radical nephrectomy, tumor thrombectomy, and visceral resection. Patients and methods: 18 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment in the period 2003-2019 were included. Neoplastic extension was found extending into the pancreas, duodenum, and liver in 9(50%), 2(11.1%), and 7(38.8%) patients, respectively. Seven patients (38.8%) presented also inferior vena cava tumor thrombus level I (n = 3), II (n = 2), or III (n = 2). The resection was tailored according to the degree of invasiveness. Demographics, clinical presentation, disease characteristics, surgical details, 30-day postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: Median age was 56 years (range: 40–76). Median tumor size was 14.5 cm (range, 8.8–22), and 10 cm (range: 4–15) for those cases with pancreatico-duodenal and liver involvement, respectively. Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 475 mL (range: 100–4000) and resulted higher for those cases requiring thrombectomy (300 mL vs. 750 mL). Nine patients (50%) required transfusions with a median requirement of 4 units (range: 2–8). No perioperative deaths were registered in the first 30 days. Overall complication rate was 44.4%. Major complications were detected in 6/18 patients (33.3%). Overall median follow-up was 24 months (range: 0–108). Five-year OS (actuarial) rate was 89.9% and 75%, for 9/11 patients with pancreatico-duodenal involvement and 6/7 patients with liver invasion, respectively. Conclusion: Our series establishes the technical feasibility of this procedure with acceptable complication rates, no deaths, and potential for durable response.

Perioperative and oncological outcomes of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumour thrombus

AIM

The aim of the present study is to report the perioperative and long-term surgical outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumour thrombus (VTT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 34 patients (males = 23, females = 11) from 2009 to 2020 who underwent radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy for RCC and VTT was retrospectively analysed. The parameters recorded include tumour laterality, size, level of thrombus, surgical approach, blood loss, transfusion rates, operative time, hospital stay, Clavien complications, tumour histology, follow-up duration, local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall and cancer-specific survival rates.

RESULTS

The extent of thrombus was level I in thirteen, level II in twelve, level III (a-1, b-2, c-1, d-2) in six and level IV in three patients respectively. Mean operative time was 320 (±145) min, mean blood loss was 1371.15 (±1020.8) ml and mean hospital stay was 9.6 (±7.4) days. Mean transfusion rate was 6.4 (±3.2) units. Three patients died within the first 30 days of surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was utilized in three patients. Median follow-up period was 58 (Range: 4-101) months. A statistically significant correlation was found between operative time (p = 0.014) and median survival (p = 0.003) respectively and tumour thrombosis level. Nine patients died due to metastasis, and ten due to unrelated causes. The estimated actuarial survival rates at a median of 58 months were 35.3%.

CONCLUSION

An accurate preoperative assessment of the thrombus extent with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in achieving optimal surgical outcomes in patients of RCC with VTT, particularly with level III and IV thrombus.

Resection of Large Urological Tumors With or Without Inferior Vena Cava Extension in Jehova's Witnesses

Background: Renal and adrenal tumors with/without tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) pose a challenge to the surgeon due to the potential for massive hemorrhage and tumor thromboemboli. The situation would be more critical for Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients which refuse blood transfusion. A transplant-based (TB) approach to these tumors in JWs would result a safe surgical method, providing limited blood loss and perioperative complications. We report our experience using a TB surgical approach in JW harboring large adrenal/renal tumors with/without tumor thrombus trying to determine its usefulness in this setting.

Patients and Methods: From 2003 to 2011, 7 patients underwent resection of renal/adrenal tumors with/without tumor thrombus in the IVC by means of a TB approach. Thrombus level was renal (n = 2), retrohepatic (n = 1), and suprahepatic (n = 1). The remaining 3 patients did not present thrombus. No pre-operative optimization or cell-saver were used. Estimated blood loss, perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo and cause), hemoglobin/hematocrit loss, and length of stay were considered main outcomes.

Results: The intervention was successfully completed without transfusion in all cases. Operative time and blood loss were 2.5 h (range: 1.83–5.75) and 150 cc (range: 100–750), respectively. No major post-operative complications were registered. However, minor complications were detected in 57% of the patients included. Median hemoglobin loss was 1.13 mg/dL, which translated a median hematocrit loss of 2.3%. Patients were discharged in a median of 7 days (range 5–20).

Conclusions: A TB-surgical approach provides enhanced retroperitoneal exposure and optimal vascular control, thus limiting operative blood loss or major complication development, thus resulting useful in JWs.

Tumor Thrombus Into the Inferior Vena Cava After Resection of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Recurrence or Tumor Thrombus Left Behind?

OBJECTIVE

To describe a series of 3 cases of renal cell carcinoma that developed a metachronic recurrence in the form of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus after a first attempt of curative intent by means of radical nephrectomy.

METHODS

A complete work-up consisting of total body computed tomography and transesophagic echocardiography was performed in all cases. After extensive counseling a decision for surgical excision was made. We used a transplant-based approach to eliminate every vestige of visible neoplastic tissue including the tumor thrombus in all cases. Three different approaches, including tangential and circumferencial excision of the inferior vena cava with or without caval replacement by prosthetic vascular graft were used for caval management after thrombectomy.

RESULTS

Estimated blood loss ranged between 500 and 2000 cc. Transfusion requirements varied from 1-9 red blood cell packed units. Complete thrombectomy along with excision of all visible neoplastic lesions was achieved in all cases. One of the patients experimented a cardiac arrest on postoperative day 7 without fatal consequences that increased de length of stay (range 7-30 days). No other major complications were registered. None of the patients died in the first 30 days after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The transplant-based surgical approach to thrombectomy in these cases provides for excellent exposure and vascular control, thus minimizing the complication rate and resulting a safe treatment option for the patient.

Removal of the Tumor Thrombus from the Right Atrium without Extracorporeal Circulation: Emphasis on the Displacement of the Tumor Apex

Objectives

To assess the outcomes of cavoatrial tumor thrombus removal using the liver transplantation technique for thrombectomy, a retrospective study was conducted.

Materials and Methods

Five patients with atrial tumor thrombi who underwent piggy-back mobilization of the liver, surgical access to the right atrium from the abdominal cavity, and external manual repositioning of the thrombus apex below the diaphragm (milking maneuver) were included into the study. Extracorporeal circulation was used in none of the cases. The average length of the atrial component of the tumor was 20.0 ± 11.7 mm (10 to 35 mm), and the width was 14.8 ± 8.5 mm (10 to 30 mm). In this work, the features of patients and surgical interventions as well as perioperative complications and mortality were analyzed.

Results

External manual repositioning of the tumor thrombus apex below the diaphragm was successfully performed in all patients. Tumor thrombi with the length of the atrial part up to 1.5 cm were removed through the extrapericardial approach. For evacuation of the thrombi with the large atrial part (3.0 cm or more), a transpericardial surgical approach was required. Specific complications associated with the access to the right atrium from the abdominal cavity (paresis of the right phrenic nerve, pneumothorax, and mediastinitis) were not detected in any case. The average clamping time of the supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava (IVC) was 6.3 ± 4.6 min. The volume of intraoperative blood loss varied from 2500 to 5600 ml (an average of 3675 ± 1398.5 ml).

Conclusion

Our work represents the initial experience in the liver transplantation technique for thrombectomy in distinct and well-selected patients with atrial tumor thrombi. The effectiveness of this approach needs further study. The video presentation of our research took place in March 2019 at the 34th Annual EAU Congress in Barcelona.

A modified sequential vascular control strategy in robot-assisted level III-IV inferior vena cava thrombectomy: initial series mimicking the open 'milking' technique principle

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a modified sequential vascular control strategy, mimicking the open 'milking' technique principle, for the early release of the first porta hepatis (FPH) and to stop cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in level III-IV robot-assisted inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy (RA-IVCTE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From November 2014 to June 2019, 27 patients with a level III-IV IVC tumour thrombus (IVCTT) underwent RA-IVCTE in our department. The modified sequential control strategy was used in 12 cases. Previously, we released the FPH after the thrombus was resected and the IVC was closed completely, and CPB was stopped at the end of surgery (15 patients). Presently, using our modified strategy, we place another tourniquet inferior to the second porta hepatis (SPH) once the proximal thrombus is removed from the IVC below the SPH. Then, we suture the right atrium and perform early release of the FPH, and stop CPB. Finally, tumour thrombectomy, vascular reconstruction, and radical nephrectomy are performed.

RESULTS

Compared with the previous strategy, the modified steps resulted in a shorter median FPH clamping (19 vs 47 min, P < 0.001) and CPB times (60 vs 87 min, P < 0.05); a lower rate of Grade II-IV perioperative complications (25% vs 60%, P < 0.05); and better postoperative hepatorenal and coagulation function, including better median serum alanine aminotransferase (172.7 vs 465.4 U/L, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (282.4 vs 759.8 U/L, P < 0.001), creatinine (113.4 vs 295 μmol/L, P < 0.01), blood urea nitrogen (7.3 vs 16.7 mmol/L, P < 0.01), and D-dimer (5.9 vs 20 mg/L, P < 0.001) levels.

CONCLUSION

With the early release of the FPH and stopping CPB, the modified sequential vascular control strategy in level III-IV RA-IVCTE reduced the perioperative risk for selected patients and improved the feasibility and safety of the surgery. We would recommend this approach to other centres that plan to develop robotic surgery for renal cell carcinoma with level III-IV IVCTT in the future.

Surgical treatment for Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma with venous thrombus: A STROBE-compliant study

The aim of the study was to report the experience and outcomes of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) patients with tumor thrombus undergoing radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy.Between January 2017 and December 2017, 66 consecutive patients with RCC and venous thrombus involvement received surgical treatment at Peking University Third Hospital. Of which, 5 patients were confirmed of Xp11.2 tRCC, 61 patients were diagnosed of non-tRCC subtypes including 45 ccRCCs, 10 pRCCs, and 6 other subtypes. Demographic, clinical, operation, pathological and follow-up data were extracted for analysis. Prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analysis.All the patients received radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy successfully. During a median follow-up of 18 months, 5 patients in non-tRCC group and 1 patient in tRCC group died of disease progression. Survival analysis revealed that Xp11.2 tRCC patients experienced shorter DFS than non-tRCC patients, however, there is no significant difference in OS between two groups. Xp11.2 tRCC histological subtype and presence of metastasis at diagnosis were identified as independent negative factors of DFS by multivariate analysis.Radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy provides an acceptable efficacy for tRCC patients with tumor thrombus extending into the venous system. In addition, multimodality treatment should be considered for advanced Xp11.2 RCCs as this subtype was a negative prognostic factor of DFS.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with concomitant inferior vena cava thrombectomy for metastatic mixed testicular germ cell cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND

The robot-assisted laparoscopic management of post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal metastasis and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus secondary to testicular cancer is a challenging task for urologists.

CASE PRESENTATION

A pathological examination of a 36-year-old Caucasian man who had undergone a right radical orchiectomy showed mixed testicular germ cell cancer (70% embryonal cancer and 30% seminoma); he had undergone four prior courses of cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin chemotherapy and was found to have residual retroperitoneal enlarged lymph nodes close to the right renal hilum and a 9.8 cm inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (pT1, N2, M1, S2). Pre-surgical three-dimensional image reconstruction was performed based on contrast computed tomography data. The inferior vena cava tumor thrombus was found in the vena cava at the level of the celiac trunk and the inferior mesenteric artery. Our patient accepted treatment with robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with concomitant inferior vena cava thrombectomy and cava reconstruction on September 12, 2018. During the procedure, a drop-in robotic ultrasound probe was used to define the thrombus. Vena cavoscopy using a flexible ureteroscope found that the tumor thrombus adhered to the cava wall in all directions. The tumor thrombus was dissected free from the inferior vena cava lumen, and vena cava reconstruction was achieved using the da Vinci™ Si HD surgical system. The operative time was 550 minutes. The intraoperative estimated blood loss was 2300 ml. Intraoperative blood transfusions consisted of 10 units of red blood cells (Clavien-Dindo grade II). No Clavien-Dindo grade III or above perioperative complications occurred. The length of hospital stay was 7 days. Pathology revealed no viable cancer cells in any of the residual lymph node tissues or in the vena cava tumor thrombus.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case of robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with concomitant inferior vena cava thrombectomy and reconstruction for metastatic mixed testicular germ cell cancer published to date. This complicated surgical procedure was facilitated by the innovative usage of three-dimensional image reconstruction for defining the vena cava tumor thrombus, a robotic ultrasound probe for intraoperatively defining the vena cava tumor thrombus, and vena cavoscopy using a flexible ureteroscope.

Técnicas de trasplante hepático usadas en el manejo del carcinoma renal de células claras con trombos en la cava inferior que ascienden hasta el diafragma: serie de casos

Introducción. El carcinoma de células renales corresponde al 3 % de todos los tumores sólidos y, de ellos, cerca del 10 % tiene compromiso de la vena cava inferior. La nefrectomía con trombectomía es la mejor alternativa con intención curativa. La mortalidad perioperatoria se encuentra entre el 2 y el 11 %. El objetivo del presente estudio fue presentar una serie de casos de carcinomas renales con trombos de tipo III según la clasificación de Neves-Zincke, en los cuales se usaron con éxito técnicas del trasplante hepático para su extracción.Materiales y métodos. Se presenta una serie de cinco casos, de pacientes sometidos a nefrectomía radical y que presentaban trombo de la vena cava inferior, atendidos en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2012 y septiembre de 2018.Resultados. De 26 pacientes encontrados con cáncer de células renales, se seleccionaron cinco con trombos de tipo Neves III, cuatro de ellos de tipo IIIa y uno de tipo IIIc.El promedio de edad fue de 63,2 años, cuatro mujeres y un hombre. El promedio de tiempo operatorio fue de 274 minutos y el de pinzamiento de la vena cava inferior fue de 13,6 minutos. El tiempo promedio de estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue de 2,8 días y el de estancia hospitalaria fue de 9,6 días. Un paciente no presentó ninguna complicación, y los cuatro restantes presentaron complicaciones quirúrgicas menores, I y II de la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo.Conclusión. El uso de maniobras técnicas del trasplante hepático para extraer trombos de la vena cava inferior que no comprometen la aurícula derecha en pacientes con tumores renales, es una alternativa segura con baja morbimortalidad perioperatoria y que puede llegar a garantizar el control de la enfermedad a largo plazo.

Surgical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma Extending Into Venous System: A 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this study is to report our 20-year experience with the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava using a novel classification system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 103 patients (69 males, 34 females, mean age: 52.9 ± 12.6 years) with renal cell carcinoma involving the venous system treated between 1993 and 2014. The inferior vena cava tumor thrombus was classified into five levels: 0 (renal vein, n = 12), 1 (infrahepatic, n = 33), 2a (low retrohepatic, n = 26), 2b (high retrohepatic, n = 19), and 3 (supradiaphragmatic, n = 13). Clinical data were summarized, and overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival were examined by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

All patients underwent radical surgery. Complete resections of the renal tumor and thrombus were achieved in 101 patients (98.1%). Two intraoperative and one postoperative in-hospital deaths (2.9%) occurred. In total, 19 patients (18.8%) had a total of 29 postoperative complications. Mean follow-up time was 46 months (range, 1-239 months). The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 62.9% and 56.0%, respectively. Metastasis, rather than thrombus level, was a significant risk factor associated with overall survival (hazard ratio = 4.89, 95% confidence interval: 2.24-10.67, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our novel classification system can be used to select the optimal surgical approach and method for patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous thrombus. Its use is associated with prolonged survival and relatively few complications. Metastasis is an independent risk factor of overall survival.

Technical Intraoperative Maneuvers for the Management of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Introduction

Renal vein or inferior vena cava (IVC) invasion by neoplastic thrombus in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not an obstacle for radical oncological treatment. The aim of this study is to present our technical maneuvers for complete removal of the intracaval thrombus without compromising hemodymanic stability of the patient.

Materials and methods

Between 2000 and 2014, 15 RCC patients with IVC involvement of levels I–III were treated with curative intent and were prospectively studied. The operative technique varied according to thrombus extent. For type I, extraction of the thrombus is facilitated by a 2–3 cm longitudinal incision on the IVC that begins at the level of the renal vein and extends cranially, encompassing a vessel wall rim of the orifice of the resected renal vein. For type II cases, the IVC is clamped above the neoplastic thrombus, and for type III, the IVC clamping is combined with hepatic blood flow control with “Pringle maneuver.” For type IV, the IVC is clamped above the diaphragm, or if the thrombus extends into the right atrium cardiothoracic input is appropriate.

Results

The main operative steps include preparation and control of the renal vessels and the IVC. Occasionally, for type III tumor thrombi, the patient becomes hemodynamically unstable when IVC is clamped suprahepatically. In such a case, a novel operative maneuver of milking the thrombus below the orifice of the hepatic veins, and subsequently the IVC clamp also beneath the hepatic veins, allowing release of the “Pringle maneuver” is performed. This operative step restores hepatic blood flow and hemodynamic stability and is based on the floating nature of the thrombus into the IVC. Mean operative time was 120 min (range from 90 to 180 min), and average liver and renal warm ischemia time was 20 min (range from 15 to 35 min). Postoperative overall hospital stay ranged from 7 to 13 days.

Conclusion

The technical solutions employed in the current study allow successful removal of neoplastic thrombi from the IVC in most cases, associated with minimal perioperative complication rate even for patients who due to multiple comorbidities would be considered otherwise inoperable.

Xeno-pericardial patch repair of the inferior vena cava for radical resection of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus

Background and Objectives

For tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) complicated with kidney cancer, we built a surgical team to achieve (1) en bloc tumor resection; (2) xeno‐pericardial patch IVC repair; and (3) minimum organ damages. We reviewed outcome of the case series to verify rationale of this approach.

Methods

A consecutive series of 12 patients having the IVC tumor thrombus by renal cell carcinoma in the last 3 years was enrolled. Minimum kidney ischemia was induced in five cases (Procedure I), whereas liver and kidney ischemia was induced in five cases (Procedure II). Mild hypothermic extracorporeal circulation was used in two cases (Procedure III).

Results

There was no mortality or severe morbidities related to the surgery. Postoperative recovery was most prompt by the Procedure I. Liver and kidney ischemic time was longer in the Procedure III than the Procedure II, whereas organ function was not substantially impaired in either series. The resected IVC margin was free from the cancer in all cases, while local recurrence was not seen in any cases.

Conclusions

En bloc resection with xeno‐pericardial patch repair of the IVC was successfully performed in the tumor thrombus complicated with kidney cancer with minimum organ damage.

Treatment of caval vein thrombosis associated with renal tumors

INTRODUCTION

Renal carcinoma represents 3% of all solid tumors and is associated with renal or inferior caval vein (IVC) thrombosis between 2-10% of patients, extending to right atrial in 1% of cases.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study that comprises 5 patients who underwent nephrectomy and thrombectomy by laparotomy because of renal tumor with IVC thrombosis level iii.

RESULTS

Four patients were males and one was female, and the mean age was 57,2 years (range: 32-72). Most important clinical findings were hematuria, weight loss, weakness, anorexia, and pulmonary embolism. Diagnostic confirmation was performed by CT scanner. Metastatic disease was diagnosed before surgery in 3 patients. Suprahepatic caval vein and hepatic hilium (Pringle's maneouver) were clamped in 4 patients, and ligation of infrarrenal caval vein was carry out in one patient. Five patients developed mild complications (Clavien I/II). No patient died and the mean hospital stay was 8,6 days. All patients were treated with chemotherapy, and 3 died because distant metastasis, but 2 are alive, without recurrence, at 5 and 60 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nephrectomy and thrombectomy in renal tumors with caval thrombosis can be curative in absence of metastasis or, at less, can increase survival or quality of live. Then these patients must be treated in liver transplant units because major surgical and anesthesiologic expertise. Adjuvant treatment with tyrosin kinase inhibitors must be validate in the future with wider experiences.

Lessons Still Being Learned: Acute Pulmonary Tumor Embolus During Renal Cell Carcinoma Resection

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common primary renal neoplasm and is associated with the intraluminal growth into the venous system with possible extension into the inferior vena cava or even right heart. Intraoperative pulmonary embolism is a complication of resection of RCC, which may be mitigated by the use of the cardiopulmonary bypass with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. We present a case of unexpected pulmonary embolism diagnosed during RCC surgery. The case highlights the central importance of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography use and the need for proper preoperative planning for the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cavoatrial Extension of Renal Cell Cancer: Results of Operative Treatment in Helsinki University Hospital between 1990 and 2000

Background and Aims:

To evaluate the technical procedures and the post-operative survival of patients having been operated for renal cell cancer with cavoatrial tumour thrombus (RCC-T).

Material and Methods:

Between 1990 and 2000 the cardiac unit at Helsinki University Central Hospital operated on seven patients for RCC-T. A cardiac surgeon along with a urologist, performed all seven operations using sternolaparotomy (either midline or Chevron incision) with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Results:

The average duration of the operations was eight hours (range 6–11 hours) and the average perfusion time was 118 minutes (range 35–206). Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for one patient with an arrest time of 31 minutes. Only with one patient could the cavotomy be closed directly. In four patients a cava resection was performed and closed either with a pericardium patch or a Gore-Tex prosthesis. In two patients the cava was ligated below the renal veins. During the post-operative intensive care, there were two deaths. Of the remaining patients, five were alive after six months, four after 12 months, three after six years and one patient is still alive after 12 years of follow-up.

Conclusions:

In agreement with previously published results, although peri-operative mortality is relatively high with RCC-T patients, long-term post-operative survival is possible.

Effect of utilization of veno-venous bypass vs. cardiopulmonary bypass on complications for high level inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy and concomitant radical nephrectomy

Purpose:

To determine if patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with levels III and IV tumor thrombi are receive any reduction in complication rate utilizing veno-venous bypass (VVB) over cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for high level (III/IV) inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombectomy and concomitant radical nephrectomy.

Materials and Methods:

From May 1990 to August 2011, we reviewed 21 patients that had been treated for RCC with radical nephrectomy and concomitant IVC thrombectomy employing either CPB (n =16) or VVB (n=5). We retrospectively reviewed our study population for complication rates and perioperative characteristics.

Results:

Our results are reported using the validated Dindo-Clavien Classification system comparing the VVB and CPB cohorts. No significant difference was noted in minor complication rate (60.0% versus 68.7%, P=1.0), major complication rate (40.0% versus 31.3%, P=1.0), or overall complication rate (60.0% versus 62.5%, P=1.0) comparing VVB versus CPB. We also demonstrated a trend towards decreased time on bypass (P=0.09) in the VVB cohort.

Conclusion:

The use of VVB over CPB provides no decrease in minor, major, or overall complication rate. The use of VVB however, can be employed on an individualized basis with final decision on vascular bypass selection left to the discretion of the surgeon based on specifics of the individual case.

Prognostic Benefit of Surgical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma Invading the Inferior Vena Cava

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3 % of adult malignancies and 90-95 % of neoplasms arising from the kidney. One of the unique features of RCC is the tumor thrombus formation that migrates into the venous system including renal vein (RV) and inferior vena cava (IVC). Only 10 % of patients with RCC present with the classic triad of flank pain, hematuria and defined mass, while 25-30 % of affected patients are asymptomatic. Signs of para-neoplastic syndrome such as hypercalcemia, hypertension, anemia, cachexia and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are often apparent. Extension of tumor thrombus into the venous system is depicted by radiological examinations, such as contrast enhanced Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and vena cavography. The level of the thrombus is mostly determined according to the Mayo classification. Despite recent research on the therapeutic strategies against advanced RCC, surgical resection appears the only potentially curative approach. Aggressive surgical management including nephrectomy with thrombectomy is currently the standard therapeutic approach for RCC patients with tumor thrombus extending to the RV or the IVC. Pre-surgical down-staging with the use of molecular targeted therapy has also been proposed. Alternative therapies, such as radio- and chemotherapy proved insufficient. The aim of this review is to evaluate the results of surgical treatment for RCC invading IVC with special reference to the extent of its histological spread. Review of recent world literature was accomplished to provide an update on the current concepts of surgical management of the disease.

Surgical technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: tips, tricks and oncological results

Renal cell carcinoma represents 3 % of all cancers. Around 4–10 % of cases present with inferior vena cava involvement, generally with tumor thrombus. Clinical and preoperative stage will be classified depending of the thrombus extension. A high quality preoperative workup is essential to properly plan surgical approach. Complete surgical resection of the tumor is potentially the only curative treatment, although it supposes a real challenge due to operative difficulty, potential for massive bleeding or tumor pulmonary thromboembolism. Surgery includes techniques derived from transplantation surgery and, in some cases, cardiovascular intervention with cardiopulmonary bypass. Long-term oncological outcomes after complete removal of the entire tumor burden are acceptable. In this report we describe step-by-step surgical maneuvers depending on the thrombus lever, and focusing in complete abdominal approach for the complete excision of the tumor. Moreover, a recent literature review about oncological results is reported.

Preoperative multivariable prognostic models for prediction of survival and major complications following surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma with suprahepatic caval tumor thrombus

OBJECTIVE

Surgical resection for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with suprahepatic inferior vena cava tumor thrombus is associated with significant morbidity, yet there are currently no tools for preoperative prognostic evaluation. Our goal was to develop a preoperative multivariable model for prediction of survival and risk of major complications in patients with suprahepatic thrombi.

METHODS

We identified patients who underwent surgery for RCC with suprahepatic tumor thrombus extension from 2000 to 2013 at 4 tertiary centers. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for analysis of overall survival (OS) and logistic regression was used for major complications within 90 days of surgery (Clavien ≥ 3A). Nomograms were internally calibrated by bootstrap resampling method.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients with level III thrombus and 83 patients with level IV thrombus were identified. During median follow-up of 24.5 months, 80 patients (60.6%) died and 46 patients (34.8%) experienced major complication. Independent prognostic factors for OS included distant metastases at presentation (hazard ratio = 2.52, P = 0.002) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (hazard ratio = 1.84, P<0.0001). Variables associated with increased risk of major complications on univariate analysis included preoperative systemic symptoms, level IV thrombus, and elevated preoperative alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase levels; however, only systemic symptoms (odds ratio = 8.45, P<0.0001) was an independent prognostic factor. Preoperative nomograms achieved a concordance index of 0.72 for OS and 0.83 for major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed and internally validated multivariable preoperative models for the prediction of survival and major complications in patients with RCC who have a suprahepatic inferior vena cava thrombus. If externally validated, these tools may aid in patient selection for surgical intervention.

Clinical management of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus

OBJECTIVES

Venous invasion is common in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) due to the unique biology of this cancer. The presence of a tumor thrombus often makes clinical management challenging. In this review, we detail specific preoperative, perioperative, and surgical strategies involving the care of the complex kidney cancer patient with venous tumor involvement.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive review of selected peer-reviewed publications regarding RCC tumor thrombus biology, medical and surgical management techniques, and immediate and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

The perioperative management may require special imaging techniques, preoperative testing, very recent imaging, and consultation with other surgical services. There are various approaches to these patients as the clinical presentation, stage of disease, primary tumor size, level of thrombus, degree of venous occlusion, presence of bland thrombus, and primary tumor laterality influence management. Select patients with metastatic disease can do well with cytoreductive nephrectomy and thrombectomy. Those with localized disease have a high risk of recurrence; however, some patients can exhibit durable survival with surgery alone. The evolving surgical and medical treatments are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when these surgeries are performed in high volume centers, significant perioperative complications are common and greater complications are seen with higher thrombus extent. If surgery is attempted, it is important for urologic oncologists to follow strict attention to specific surgical principles. These general principles include complete vascular control, avoidance of thrombus embolization, close hemodynamic monitoring, and institutional resources for caval resection/replacement and venous bypass if necessary.

Formation of a Tunnel under the Major Hepatic Vein Mouths during Removal of IVC Tumor Thrombus

This study describes a clinical observation of successful implementation of a new surgical maneuver: formation of a cross tunnel under the mouths of the major hepatic veins during removal of a tumor thrombus of the inferior vena cava. This surgical technique helps avoid the usage of   “piggyback” mobilization of the liver and the complications associated with it. However, for objective evaluation of this approach, a further clinical study is required.

Invasive renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: cardiac anesthesia in liver transplant settings

OBJECTIVES

Resection of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) with tumor thrombus invasion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study examined the intra- and inter-departmental collaboration among cardiac, liver transplantation, and urologic surgeons and anesthesiologists in caring for these patients.

DESIGN

After IRB approval, medical records of patients who underwent resection of RCC tumor thrombus level III and IV, from 1997 to 2010 in this institution, were reviewed. Data were collected and analyzed by one way-ANOVA and chi-square test.

SETTING

Major academic institution, tertiary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

This was a retrospective study based on the medical records of patients who underwent resection of RCC tumor thrombus level III and IV, from 1997 to 2010.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients (82.9%) with level III thrombus and 12 patients (17.1%) with level IV thrombus were analyzed. Sixty-five (92.9%) did not require any extracorporeal circulatory support; 5 (2 with level III and 3 with level IV; 7.1%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. No patients required veno-venous bypass. Compared to patients with level III thrombus extension, patients with level IV had higher estimated blood loss (6978±2968 mL v 1540±206, p<0.001) and hospital stays (18.8±1.6 days v 8.1±0.7, p<0.001). Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was utilized in 77.6% of patients with level III thrombus extension and in 100% of patients with level IV thrombus extension. Intraoperative TEE guidance resulted in a significant surgical plan modification in 3 cases (5.2%). Short-term mortality was low (n = 3, 4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of specialized liver transplantation and cardiac surgical techniques in the resection of RCC with extension into the IVC calls for a close intra-and interdepartmental collaboration between surgeons and anesthesiologists. The transabdominal approach to suprahepatic segments of the IVC allowed avoidance of extracorporeal circulatory support in most of these patients. Perioperative management of these patients reflected the critical importance of TEE-proficient practitioners experienced in liver transplantation and cardiac anesthesia.

Normothermic Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Beating Heart for Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Atrial Tumor Thrombus

Renal cell carcinoma is occasionally complicated by the formation of a neoplastic thrombus invading the inferior vena cava. Rarely, the thrombus extends into the vena cava, reaching the right atrium. In these situations, despite the advanced tumor stage, surgical resection continues to offer the best chance for effective treatment. The operation requires a complex surgical approach with mobilization of the liver and use, in most cases, of extracorporeal circulation, which allows removal of the tumor thrombus from the right atrium. Traditionally, the intervention is performed using deep hypo-thermic circulatory arrest or, less frequently, using moderate hypothermia, aortic cross clamping, and cardioplegic cardiac arrest. These strategies have the downside of causing increased blood loss, coagulopathy, and long operative time and can potentially have a negative impact on survival. We report a different operative approach using normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, with the expectation of lowering the rate of blood product transfusions, hospital length of stay, and overall incidence of complications.

Development of a surgical safety checklist for the performance of radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy

Background

The surgical management of renal cell carcinoma with invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava is associated with significant rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality. In this report we propose a surgical checklist aimed at reducing adverse events associated with the resection of these tumors.

Methods

This review describes the development of an evidence- and experience-based surgical checklist aimed at improving the perioperative safety of patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy.

Results

Reducing the risk of complications during the surgical management of renal tumors with venous invasion begins with appropriate pre-operative imaging aimed at defining the cranial extent of the tumor thrombus, thus facilitating accurate preoperative planning. Other key elements of the checklist are aimed at ensuring clear and precise pre-, intra- and postoperative communication between members of the multidisciplinary-care team.

Conclusion

A standardized surgical checklist may help to increase the perioperative safety of patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy. Future validation studies are required to determine the clinical feasibility and post-implementation safety profile of this new checklist.