Nephron-sparing surgery of renal cell carcinoma with a normal opposite kidney: long-term outcome in 180 patients

Abstract Objectives. To investigate the long-term outcome of an organ-saving approach for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with a normal opposite kidney (elective indication). Methods. Since 1979, 180 patients have undergone nephron-sparing surgery at our institution for RCC in the presence of a normal contralateral kidney. The mean age was 56 years (range 23 to 83), and the mean follow-up was 4.7 years (maximum 14.8). Most of these tumors were found incidentally, with a mean tumor diameter on ultrasound of 3.3 cm (range 1.0 to 8.6). Results. The postoperative course was unremarkable in 173 patients. Postoperative bleeding was encountered in 4 patients and urinary extravasation in an additional 3…