Comparative analysis of salvage partial nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy after the failure of initial partial...

To compare the oncologic outcomes and renal function discrepancy of salvage partial nephrectomy (sPN) and salvage radical nephrectomy (sRN) after an initial failed PN.

Retrospective data from multiple centers between 2008 and 2022 were analyzed in this study. Patients who received sPN or sRN after an initial failed PN were identified. Comparative analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) was performed and the RENAL score, tumor size, and pathological T stage at salvage surgery were used to match the 2 groups. Local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model and log-rank tests. Renal function after salvage surgery was assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

A total of 140 patients who underwent salvage surgery were evaluated, of whom 60 were considered for PSM analysis after matching. At a median follow-up of 27.0 months, LRFS and RFS showed no significant difference between sPN and sRN, either before (LRFS, HR = 0.673 [95% CI: 0.171-2.644], P = 0.610; RFS, HR = 0.744 [95% CI: 0.271-1.344], P = 0.595) or after matching (LRFS, HR = 1.080 [95% CI: 0.067-17.30], P = 0.957; RFS, HR = 1.199 [95% CI: 0.241-5.983], P = 0.822). During long-term follow-up, sPN preserved renal function (after matching, eGFR, 71.4 vs. 54.0, P < 0.001) and prevented eGFR loss (after matching: 6.6% vs. 25.6%, P < 0.001).

Salvage partial nephrectomy offers a better alternative than sRN for recurrence after initial PN, as sPN preserves renal function better while maintaining parallel tumor control and acceptable complication rates.