Current Status of Partial Nephrectomy in the Management of Kidney Cancer

Abstract

Background The technique of partial nephrectomy for managing renal cancers is well recognized, but guidelines regarding indications for its use are not generally accepted. Methods The authors review the indications for partial nephrectomy in various clinical situations, and they include their own experience to clarify the utility of the technique. Results Intraoperative renal ultrasound and helical computed tomography can assist the surgeon in technical decisions. Partial nephrectomy is considered when nephrectomy would render the patient anephric and dependent on dialysis. Conclusions The technical and operative advances in partial nephrectomy make the approach increasingly attractive for patients with kidney cancer in a variety of clinical circumstances.