The Journal of urology
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The Journal of urology · Jan 1999
Clinical TrialReal-time transesophageal echocardiography for intraoperative surveillance of patients with renal cell carcinoma and vena caval extension undergoing radical nephrectomy.
Vena caval tumor thrombus associated with renal cell carcinoma occurs in 4 to 10% of all renal tumors. There is significant operative morbidity and mortality in removing these tumors. We investigate the use of real-time transesophageal echocardiography intraoperatively and to identify tumor thrombus migration and air embolus, which are 2 potentially fatal complications of this procedure. ⋯ Real-time transesophageal echocardiography is a useful adjunct to surgery in patients with renal cell carcinoma and vena caval extension. Transesophageal echocardiography facilitates identification of tumor thrombus migration and air embolization, which are potentially fatal complications, and allows for immediate intraoperative intervention.