Treatment of renal cell carcinoma extending into the right atrium with extra-corporeal circulation using high-grade hypothermia: a case report

A 68-year-old woman underwent surgical treatment for renal cell carcinoma associated with tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium. Although the tumor thrombus reached the level of the right atrium, there were no other apparent metastases. Combination therapy with interferon alfa plus tegafur/uracil (UFT) was attempted with the expectation of reducing the tumor thrombus, but there was no change. Successful management was achieved with right radical nephrectomy, right auriculotomy, and partial cavectomy using cardiopulmonary bypass under high-grade hypothermia. After removal of the tumor and thrombus, blood loss was 13,900 ml during the patient's recovery. She had mild heart failure for about two weeks after the operation, but recovered. She was discharged on the 40th day after the operation. Proper preparation for blood transfusion is the key point of this operation.