Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography to guide removal of a hypernephroma with vena cava and right atrial extension

We describe the case of a 70-year-old man who underwent resection of a right hypernephroma with vena caval and right atrial extension with continuous monitoring by transesophageal echocardiography. The monitoring technique brought important advantages, providing images that facilitated anatomical and functional evaluation of cardiac structures without obstructing the surgical field. Images of the heart and great vessels obtained in real time allowed the surgeon to make operative decisions based on accurate assessment of the cephalad extension of the tumor to the right chambers. Transesophageal echocardiography also allowed the anesthesiologist to monitor hemodynamic status throughout surgery and watch for tumoral emboli. The imaging technique proved to be highly useful for both anesthetic and surgical management of the patient.