Conservative renal surgery. Has it a role in renal cell carcinoma?

Conservative renal surgery is a viable alternative for patients in whom preservation of renal function is important. The long-term survival is similar to that of radical nephrectomy, especially in low-grade malignancies. The technique is unproven in patients with a normally functioning contralateral renal unit, although it may be an option in small, peripheral, low-grade lesions.