Oncological outcomes of nephron sparing nephrectomy. 17-year analysis

Nephron sparing renal surgery is considered the technique of choice for renal tumors smaller than 4 cm. We present our oncological results in a 17-year period.

Between January 1995 and December 2012, 130 renal tumor surgeries (58 open, 72 laparoscopic) were performed. We analize the pathological results, presence of positive surgical margins, local relapse, distant metastases and death.

The most frequent tumor was clear cell carcinoma (73%) in a pT1 stage (87%). Mean tumor size was 3 cm. Positive surgical margin rate was 7%, currently without any tumor recurrence among these cases (follow up 37 months). Cancer specific mortality is 0% and local recurrence rate 3%. Mean follow up is 71 months.

Nephron sparing surgery results are similar to radical nephrectomy in tumors smaller than 4 cm. Positive surgical margins do not seem to have an important repercussion in cancer specific survival.