Influence of tumor size in the progression of venous tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma: A 7-year single-center experience

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to describe the perioperative outcomes, disease-specific, and overall survival status in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent radical nephrectomy along with IVC thrombectomy from the year 2013 to 2020. Mayo’s classification was used to stratify the level of IVC thrombus. Demographic, perioperative, histopathology data, complications, and survival status were analyzed. RESULTS: Total number of patients included in the study was 39, (Male: Female = 84.6%: 15.4%). Median age of patients was 58 (interquartile range [IQR] 50–63) years. Median size of renal tumor (in cms) was 9.5 (IQR 7.5–12), 8 (IQR 7–11.5), 8.5 (IQR 7–11.75), and 11 (IQR 9.5–11) (P = 0.998) in level 1,2,3, and 4 tumors, respectively. Clear cell variant was seen in 32 patients (82%) with R0 resection in 17 patients. Twelve patients (30.7%) had systemic metastasis on presentation. The overall mean survival time was 66.4 months with 95% confidence interval (CI) (52.4–80.5 months). Mean recurrence-free survival is 76 months with (63–90) CI of 95%. Mean survival in patients who presented with metastasis is 47 months with 95% CI (52.4–80.5). Perioperative mortality rate was 5.12% in this study. CONCLUSION: The tumor size does not have an influence on the progression of tumor thrombus into IVC. Significant difference in survival was observed between different levels of thrombus with high mortality in level four tumors.