[Kidney cancer with invasion of the vena cava: classification, surgical strategy and results of treatment].

A new classification of vena caval tumor thrombi is recommended from our experience with 37 cases. For advanced tumor thrombi a surgical technique with routinely performed thoracotomy, inserting a Sarns-catheter and preparing the cardiopulmonary bypass is mandatory. If metastases are absent the prognosis of the renal carcinoma is nearly as good as in cases without tumor extension into the vena cava. The total 2-year-survival rate in our series is 47%, for the cases without metastases it is 65%. The total 5-year-survival rate is 25% and for patients without metastases 57%.