Renal cell carcinoma accompanied by venous invasion and inferior vena cava thrombus: classification and operative strategies for the vascular surgeon

Venous invasion is a common characteristic of renal cell carcinoma, manifesting as tumor thrombus with possible extension into the renal vein and, in extensive cases, the thrombus can reach from the renal vein to the right atrium. Currently, cytoreductive nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy are the foundations for improving quality of life and survival in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, and a role has emerged for a vascular specialist to become an integral part of operative planning and therapy.