Renal cell carcinoma invading the inferior vena cava: the use of the Greenfield filter to prevent tumor emboli during nephrectomy.

Renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava occurs in approximately 5 per cent of the cases. Despite invasion of the inferior vena cava an aggressive surgical approach for these neoplasms is recommended but prevention of a tumor thrombus pulmonary embolus during operation is necessary. Placement of a suprarenal Greenfield filter, with its ease of insertion, excellent late patency rates and minimal morbidity, has made it the procedure of choice today. Preoperative venacavography with radiopaque marking of the tumor thrombus will prevent filter displacement, malpositioning and the awkward use of intraoperative venography, while shortening operative time and minimizing patient risk.