Resection of nonrenal retroperitoneal tumors with large vena caval thrombi using cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is a useful adjunct in the operative management of renal cell carcinoma associated with large vena caval thrombi. We present 2 patients with nonrenal retroperitoneal tumors and extensive vena caval thrombi who underwent successful surgical treatment with this method. The primary tumor was a leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava in 1 patient and a pheochromocytoma with hepatic invasion in 1. Cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is effective in decreasing the operative risk and improving the feasibility of resection in complex surgical cases. Consideration should be given to its use in a wider range of indicated procedures.