Aggressive surgery for renal cell carcinoma with ena cava tumor thrombus.

Herein is presented what we believe to be the eighth case reported of renal cell carcinoma with caval tumor thrombus treated by radical excision with vena caval resection. A review of the literature reveals that although postoperative morbidity is minimal, only 1 patient survived more than two years. All patients with metastases at time of operation died within one year. It is our conclusion that the length and quality of survival anticipated must be carefully weighed before performing this major surgical procedure.