On January 30, 2026, our team of surgeons, together with cardiac surgeons, successfully performed a unique and highly complex operation on a 69-year-old patient with aggressive cancer.
Diagnosis: malignant tumor of the right kidney.
The situation was complicated by the fact that the tumor had grown into the renal vein and formed a tumor thrombus, which extended through the inferior vena cava and reached the right atrium of the heart (Level IV).
This condition posed a direct threat to life due to the risk of thromboembolism and impaired heart function.
❓ What is a tumor thrombus?
It is not an ordinary blood clot.
It consists of fragments of the tumor itself, which “grow” into the vessel and continue to expand along it, much like a river flowing along its channel.
Removing such a thrombus is one of the most technically challenging tasks in oncological surgery.
🔬 How the surgery was performed
The patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy from the inferior vena cava and right atrium under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
The procedure involved:
1. Sternolaparotomy — incision through the sternum and anterior abdominal wall to access the heart and kidney simultaneously.
2. Connection to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to safely stop blood circulation.
3. Removal of the right kidney along with the tumor, adrenal gland, and surrounding tissues.
4. Extraction of the tumor thrombus from the inferior vena cava and right atrium.
The surgery was successful!
This case demonstrates how modern technology, a multidisciplinary approach, and seamless teamwork allow us to tackle even the most complex oncological conditions.
We are proud of our team and sincerely thank all specialists who participated in this life-saving procedure.
