A 65-year-old man presented with renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney with a tumor thrombus extending up the vena cava to the right atrium. Cardiopulmonary bypass, profound hypothermia and total circulatory arrest were used to create a bloodless field for excision of the renal cell carcinoma and its tumor thrombus. Acute respiratory failure and deep jaundice developed after the operation and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for critical care. After respiratory therapy and nutritional support, the liver function was restored. The endotracheal tube was weaned one month later. The patient has had total resolution of all symptoms and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence of distant metastases after 6 months follow-up.