Research Progress in Nephron-sparing Surgery / 中国肿瘤临床

ABSTRACT

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 2% of all malignancies. The incidence of RCC has increased by 2% per year for the past 65 years. Over the past two decades, with the widespread use of imaging methods, the frequency of incidental detection of RCC has increased. Surgery is an important therapeutic method for renal cell carcinoma. Originally, nephron-sparing surgery was indicated only for those treated with radical nephrectomy which would render the patients functionally anephric and requiring dialysis. These settings include RCC in a solitary kidney, RCC in one kidney with contralateral inadequate renal fuction, and bilateral synchronous RCC. However, nephron-sparing surgery has been used increasingly in patients with T_(1a) and T_(1b) renal tumors (i.e. up to 7 cm in the greatest dimension) and a normal contralateral kidney, with equivalent outcomes to radical nephrectomy. Compared with radical nephrectomy, nephron-sparing surgery can increase patient survival and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, nephron-sparing surgery has not been widely used yet because most surgeons are confused of its safety, indication, resection range and complications.