[Nephron-sparing surgery 2012]

Nephron-sparing surgery is considered to be the standard surgery for small renal masses. There is a large socioeconomic and oncological relevance in such a decision, especially since tumour incidence as well as average life expectancy increases, also triggered by better diagnostic quality. The present review highlights the current state of nephron sparing-surgery, evaluates different surgical approaches and gives perspectives on the future developments and scientific investigations required. In conclusion, nephron-sparing surgery has been well studied and different approaches have shown high safety profiles with oncological results comparable to those of radical nephrectomy. Nephron -sparing surgery provides decisive advantages in long-term survival and patient morbidity, especially concerning chronic renal failure rates. Therefore, whenever feasible, a renal mass should be considered for nephron-sparing surgery.