Introduction: Most of the kidney masses are being detected incidentally with smaller size due to widespread use of imaging modalities leading to increased RCC incidence worldwide with an earlier stage. This article reviews the role of open partial nephrectomy (PN) in the management of small renal masses.
Material and methods: Review of the English literature using MEDLINE has been performed between 1963-2008 on small renal masses, partial nephrectomy, kidney cancer, nephron sparing surgery (NSS), radical nephrectomy, laparoscopy, and surgical management. Special emphasis was given on the indications of NSS, oncological outcomes and comparison with open and laparoscopic PN.
Results: Overall 68 articles including 31 review papers, 35 human clinical papers, 1 book chapter, and 1 animal research study were selected for the purpose of this article and were reviewed by the authors.
Conclusions: Currently, open NSS still remains as the gold standard surgical treatment modality in patients with small renal masses.