Nephron-sparing surgery for small renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Objective To investigate the method and effect of nephron-sparing surgery in the treatment of small renal cell carcinoma. Methods From August 1997 to October 2008, 48 cases of small renal cell carcinomas were confirmed by surgery and pathology, and reviewed retrospectively. Of the 48 cases, there was 1 patient with bilateral tumors, 8 with solitary kidney tumors, 1 with unilateral tumor and a damaged contralateral kidney, and 38 with unilateral tumors and a normal contralateral kidney; 9 underwent tumor enucleation and the remaining patients received partial nephrectomy. Results There were no local tumor recurrences and/or tumor metastasis at a mean follow-up of 60 months. Conclusion Confirming conclusions from other centers, we have found that nephron-sparing surgery is an effective treatment for small renal cell carcinomas.