Update on minimally invasive approaches to kidney tumors.

Renal tumors are being detected at increasing rates because of widespread use of modern imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and computed tomography. Typically, these tumors, many of which are discovered incidentally, tend to be small and are confined to the kidney. Advances in ablative and imaging technology have led to the application of minimally invasive therapy in the treatment of small renal tumors. Although still evolving as a cancer treatment, minimally invasive treatment potentially offers several advantages over conventional open renal surgery: shorter convalescence, improved cosmesis, reduced postoperative pain, and renal preservation. This article reviews the status and recent progress of minimally invasive approaches to renal neoplasm.