How to proceed in the case of a tumour thrombus in the inferior vena cava with renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 3% of all malignant tumours in humans at adult age. The occurrence of a tumour thrombus in the inferior vena cava was recorded in 4% up to 10% of patients. In the period of 2006–2014 in the Department of Surgery of the Teaching Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen we operated a total of 12 patients at the age from 44 to 80 for renal cell carcinoma with a tumour thrombus. Our results have proven clearly the benefit of nephrectomy with tumour thrombectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma growing through the venous system.