SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF RENAL-CELL CANCER WITH EXTENSION INTO THE VENA-CAVA - USEFULNESS OF INTRAOPERATIVE SONOGRAPHY

Intracaval tumour extension represents a significant surgical problem in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Although pre-operative imaging techniques provide sufficient visualization for the planning of the ma jority of operative procedures, intra-operative ultrasound is nonethel ess beneficial in some cases. In 3 patients, the procedure has given a n accurate evaluation of the extent of the tumour thrombus. It has all owed safe placement of instruments which had lessened the risk of thro mbus dislodgement. Intra-operative sonography is simple to perform and can be considered a valuable new adjunct in the evaluation and manage ment of renal cell carcinoma with intracaval tumour extension. New tec hnological advances may eventually improve the quality of intra-operat ive imaging.