[Resection of the inferior vena cava and tumor of the excretory duct: diagnostic and prognostic problems].

The authors present a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with inferior vena cava involvement. Two types of vena cava involvement are discussed: thrombus or nodes. The CT scan appears to be the best examination to preoperatively diagnose the type of invasion in order to be able to select the optimal treatment. However, these two types of involvement have a poor prognosis and surgery abstention may be justified. Chemotherapy may be useful in these cases.