International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 007-015
Comparison of Nephron Sparing Surgery and Radical Nephrectomy in Renal Cell Carcinomas of Less Than 7 cm

Hasan BAKIRTAŞ1, Can TUYGUN1, Nihat KARAKOYUNLU1, Aykut B. ŞENTÜRK1, Hamit ERSOY1

S. B. Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Üroloji Kliniği, Ankara

Keywords: Kidney, Renal cell carcinoma, Nephron sparing surgery, Partial nephrectomy, Radical nephrectomy
We aimed to compare the results of radical nephrectomy (RN) and nephron sparing surgery (NSS) in renal cell carcinomas of less than 7 cm. We performed a retrospective chart review of cases who underwent RN (n=41) and NSS (n=34) in our clinic between 1997-2003. The average ages of cases with RN and NSS were 58.31±11.42 ve 55.32±12.18 years, respectively. Tumor recurrence and complication rates, duration of hospitalization, change in creatinine levels and 3 year survival analysis were calculated and compared.


The amount of bleeding was significantly more in NSS group (p<0.001) but no difference was observed between the groups considering plevral damage (p: 0.511). Urinary fistula developed in 2 patients in NSS (5.9%) were repaired by placing a retrograde double–J catheter. Postoperative creatinine level was found to increase significantly in RN group (p<0.001) but no significant change observed in NSS group (p: 0.355). Three year survival rates were not different between the RN (97.30%) and NSS (96.67%) groups (p: 0.872).


In conclusion, survival rates of RN and NSS in renal masses less than 7cm were similar. Renal functions were better reserved while complications were more frequent in the group with NSS than RN.