Nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma.

In summary, NSS is the indicated treatment for patients with localized RCC and an intercurrent urological or medical condition that poses a threat to overall renal function. Recent studies have clarified the role of NSS in patients with localized unilateral RCC and a normal contralateral kidney. Recent results indicate that radical nephrectomy and NSS provide equally effective curative treatment for patients who present with a single, small (< 4 cm), and clearly localized RCC. The long-term renal functional advantage of NSS with a normal opposite kidney requires further study.