Editorial Comment

Abstract

Surgical innovations for the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have resulted from the ingenuity of numerous urologists. In addition, tremendous technologic advancements have facilitated the successful application of minimally invasive options to an increasing number of patients with suspected RCC. Today, most kidney surgeons consider laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) the standard of care for many patients with renal tumors who are neither candidates for nephron preservation nor for observation. However, in the contemporary era, is a LRN an acceptable surgical approach for patients with larger or more advanced renal masses? Operative Safety and Oncologic Outcome of Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma >7 cm: A Multicenter Study of 222 PatientsUrologyVol. 81Issue 6PreviewTo evaluate the safety of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) >7 cm, addressing the issue of modality and risk factors for complications and open conversion, and to assess the oncologic outcome. Full-Text PDF ReplyUrologyVol. 81Issue 6PreviewWe thank Dr. Sexton and the Editorial Board for their attention to our article and appreciate his comments. As mentioned, the issue of minimally invasive surgery in renal cancer is of particular interest. Innovations and progress in surgical techniques occur mostly outside of randomized trials. Only 5% to 7% of studies published in the surgical literature are randomized controlled trials; more than half of surgical research studies are retrospective record reviews.1,2 The evidence supporting laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is no exception. Full-Text PDF