Modified Vein Clamping Technique for Renal Cell Carcinoma Complicated With Level I-II IVC Thrombus: A Study At A Single Center

Objectives: To share our initial experience with modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with the level I-II IVC thrombus Methods From March 2018 to April 2021, 11 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) involving the IVC tumor thrombus were admitted to our hospital. Then, they all underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy (LRN-IVCTE) using modified vein clamping technique. Results All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The median operative time was 185 min (range 125–229 min); the median estimated blood loss was 200 ml (range 150–300 ml), and four patients received an intraoperative transfusion. Besides, the median IVC clamping time was 18 min (range 10–24 min); the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range 4–8 days), while the median follow-up period was 28 months (range 2–36 months). Conclusions Modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with the level I-II IVC thrombus may be a safe and technically feasible alternative technic.