Robot-Assisted Radical Nephrectomy With Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy: A Narrative Review With Step-by-Step Procedures

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombi are detected in 4%–10% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The 5-year survival rates following radical nephrectomy (RN) with IVC thrombectomy for patients with nonmetastatic RCC range between 50%–65%. Despite robot-assisted RN (RARN) with IVC thrombectomy proving to be feasible and potentially lessening complication rates, it remains technically demanding, with significant associated morbidity and mortality risks. Thus, meticulous patient selection and careful surgical planning are of paramount importance. This review aims to encapsulate the latest advancements and outline the detailed surgical processes involved in RARN with IVC thrombectomy.