A 15-Hour Life-Saving Surgery: Multi-disciplinary Approach to Remove a Kidney Cancer Thrombus Near the Heart
On August 12, 2025, 65-year-old Mr. Wang expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Zhang Shudong, the director of the Urology Department at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, after a groundbreaking 15-hour surgery that saved his life. This surgery, performed on July 16, 2025, involved the removal of a large, dangerous kidney cancer thrombus that had spread to the heart.
The Case: A Life-Threatening Thrombus
Mr. Wang, who had been experiencing swelling in his lower back and legs, was diagnosed with a 10 cm kidney tumor and a thrombus extending from the left kidney through the vena cava, near the heart. The tumor and thrombus were at risk of causing a fatal pulmonary embolism if not removed.
The tumor’s thrombus had taken an extremely dangerous form: the segment near the chest was fragile and prone to breakage, while the abdominal segment was tightly attached to major blood vessels. The challenge was clear: removing the thrombus safely without causing fatal complications.
The Surgical Approach
After initial treatment to reduce the thrombus, a multi-disciplinary team from the Urology, Cardiac Surgery, Anesthesia, and Critical Care departments came together to plan the surgery. The goal was to remove the thrombus with minimal damage and risk to vital organs.
Dr. Zhang led the team to create an innovative strategy:
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Cardiac Surgeons led by Dr. Ling Yunpeng made a small incision and carefully removed the thrombus in the upper vena cava, preventing it from dislodging into the lungs.
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Following the heart surgery, Dr. Zhang and his team used robotic-assisted surgery to precisely remove the thrombus from the abdominal area, preserving the right kidney and ensuring the vena cava remained functional.
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Finally, after the thrombus was fully removed, the team successfully excised the tumor along with the left kidney, restoring the patient's health.
The Innovation: Minimally Invasive, Multi-Specialty Approach
This complex surgery combined heart surgery techniques and robotic surgery to break down what would have traditionally been a high-risk procedure into manageable, minimally invasive steps. This approach significantly reduced the patient’s risk of complications, including potential heart failure and bleeding.
The entire operation lasted 15 hours, and the patient was transferred to the ICU post-operation, where he showed a quick recovery. By the third day, he was able to resume eating, and the pathology results confirmed that both the kidney cancer and thrombus had been completely removed.
A New Standard in Kidney Cancer Treatment
This pioneering procedure, combining robotic-assisted surgery with minimally invasive heart surgery, sets a new precedent for treating patients with complex kidney cancer and thrombus in the vena cava. This innovative treatment approach, led by Dr. Zhang Shudong and Dr. Ling Yunpeng, provides a beacon of hope for high-risk cancer patients.
The Role of Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDT)
This surgery was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of multiple specialties, a hallmark of modern healthcare. The multidisciplinary approach not only saved Mr. Wang’s life but also demonstrated the importance of teamwork in addressing complex medical conditions. At Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, MDT care is a cornerstone of providing personalized, high-quality care.
Conclusion
This remarkable surgery marks a significant step forward in cancer treatment, particularly for patients with advanced kidney cancer and venous thrombosis. It highlights the capabilities of a multi-disciplinary approach and sets a new standard for minimally invasive surgery in treating complex medical conditions.
