Comparative Effectiveness of Surgical Treatments for Small Renal Masses

In the management of small renal masses (SRMs), treatment options include partial nephrectomy (PN), radical nephrectomy (RN), ablation, renal biopsy, and active surveillance. Large series retrospective and meta-analyses demonstrate PN may confer greater preservation of renal function, overall survival, and equivalent cancer control when compared with RN. As newer therapies emerge, we should critically evaluate the risks and benefits associated with the surgical management of SRMs among patients with competing comorbidities, complex tumors, and high-risk disease. Among younger patients with SRMs amenable to resection, optimization of postoperative patient health should be prioritized.