Kidney-sparing Approaches Research Articles

Oncologic outcomes of patients treated with kidney-sparing surgery or radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer: a population-based study

PurposeAlthough kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) is a nonminor option for low-risk upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), its oncological benefits in high-risk UTUC remain unclear when compared to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). This study aimed to compare the oncological outcomes of RNU and KSS in patients with UTUC. MethodsWe searched the SEER database for patients treated for primary non-metastatic UTUC with either RNU or a kidney-sparing approach (segmental ureterectomy (SU) or local tumor excision (LTE)) between 2004 and 2018. ResultsThe study included 6,659 patients with primary non-metastatic UTUC treated with surgery; 2,888 (43.4%) and 3,771 (56.6%) patients presented with ureteral and renal pelvicalyceal tumors, respectively. Finally, 5,479 (82.3%) patients underwent RNU, 799 (12.0%) were treated with SU, and 381 (5.7%) patients received LTE. For confounder control, propensity score matching (PSM) of patients treated with SU and RNU was performed to adjust for T stage, grade, age, gender, tumor size, and lymphadenectomy performance. PSM analysis included 694 patients treated with RNU and 694 individuals who underwent SU. In multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses, we found no difference in either CSS or OS between RNU and SU, even in the subgroup of high-grade and/or muscle-invasive UTUC including pT3-T4 tumors (all p > 0.05). ConclusionIn this population-based study, SU provides equivalent CSS and OS compared to RNU, even in high-risk and locally advanced ureteral cancer. Due to the unavoidable risk of selection bias, further prospective studies are expected to overcome the limitations of this study and support the wider implementation of KSS.

Renal cell carcinoma - epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment - review article

INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common urological malignancy. It accounts for 2% of deaths from all malignancies. Most cases of renal cell carcinoma are diagnosed incidentally during routine ultrasound or CT scans. Most cases are diagnosed in the asymptomatic stage. The presence of symptoms such as lower extremity edema and varicose veins of the seminal vasculature usually indicate the presence of an advanced neoplastic process. PURPOSE OF THE WORK: In this article we reviewed the literature on renal cell carcinoma. We collected and compared information on the epidemiology of risk factors, histological classification and treatment of RCC.STATUS OF KNOWLEDGE: According to GLOBOCAN data, there is an increase in the incidence of RCC in developed countries. In the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, the method of choice is surgical excision of the tumor. A kidney-sparing approach is preferred if the conditions exist. VEGF inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and m-TOR kinase inhibitors are used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.CONCLUSION: Renal cell carcinoma is the most common urological cancer. By promoting healthy lifestyles, patients can significantly reduce their risk of developing it. The method of choice for treatment is still surgical excision of the tumor.

This Month in Adult Urology

This Month in Adult Urology

Re: Impact of Hospital Nephrectomy Volume on Intermediate- to Long-Term Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

No AccessJournal of UrologyUrological Survey1 Nov 2020Re: Impact of Hospital Nephrectomy Volume on Intermediate- to Long-Term Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma M. Pilar LagunaMD, PhD M. Pilar LagunaM. Pilar Laguna More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001259AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Re: Impact of Hospital Nephrectomy Volume on Intermediate- to Long-Term Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma." The Journal of Urology, 204(5), pp. 1092–1093 Suggested Reading : Impact of surgical factors on robotic partial nephrectomy outcomes: comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. J Urol 2018; 200: 258. Link, Google Scholar : Trends in regionalization of inpatient care for urological malignancies, 1988 to 2002. J Urol 2007; 178: 2103. Link, Google Scholar : Hospital volume is a determinant of postoperative complications, blood transfusion and length of stay after radical or partial nephrectomy. J Urol 2012; 187: 405. Link, Google Scholar : Trends in renal surgery: robotic technology is associated with increased use of partial nephrectomy. J Urol 2013; 189: 1229. Link, Google Scholar : Volume-outcome relationships in the treatment of renal tumors. J Urol 2012; 187: 1984. Link, Google Scholar : National trends in the use of partial nephrectomy: a rising tide that has not lifted all boats. J Urol 2012; 187: 816. Link, Google Scholar : The impact of provider volume on outcomes from urological cancer therapy. J Urol 2005; 174: 432. Link, Google Scholar : Differential use of partial nephrectomy for intermediate and high complexity tumors may explain variability in reported utilization rates. J Urol 2013; 189: 2047. Link, Google Scholar : Contemporary trends in nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in the United States: results from a population based cohort. J Urol 2011; 186: 1779. Link, Google Scholar : Increasing use of kidney sparing approaches for localized renal tumors in a community based health system: impact on renal functional outcomes. J Urol 2011; 186: 1229. Link, Google Scholar : When partial nephrectomy is unsuccessful: understanding the reasons for conversion from robotic partial to radical nephrectomy at a tertiary referral center. J Urol 2017; 198: 30. Link, Google Scholar : Hospital surgical volume and associated postoperative complications of pediatric urological surgery in the United States. J Urol 2015; 194: 506. Link, Google Scholar © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 204Issue 5November 2020Page: 1092-1093 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information M. Pilar Laguna More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Quality of Care for Renal Masses: The Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative-Kidney Mass: Identifying & Defining Necessary Evaluation & Therapy (MUSIC-KIDNEY).

We describe the establishment of the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative-Kidney mass: Identifying and Defining Necessary Evaluation and therapY (MUSIC-KIDNEY) to improve the quality of care that patients in Michigan receive for localized, 7 cm or smaller (T1) renal masses. The MUSIC-KIDNEY collaborative is comprised of 45 urologists from 8 group practices. From June 2017 to November 2018 surgeons collected data for 821 patients with newly diagnosed T1 renal masses. Goals are to reduce the overall burden of treatment for T1 renal masses specifically by avoiding treatment when a noninterventional approach is appropriate, reducing the treatment of benign renal masses, preventing radical nephrectomy when a kidney sparing approach is appropriate, and decreasing length of hospitalization and readmission rates. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years, 56.8% of patients were male and 83.8% were Caucasian. The patient populations differed across practice sites for age (p <0.001), tumor size (p=0.002), race (p <0.001), Charlson comorbidity index and insurance type (p <0.001). Tumor complexity was infrequently reported (35.1%). Initial management included surveillance/repeat imaging (45.1%), biopsy (15.4%), intervention (39.1%) and second opinion (0.6%). No treatment at initial presentation (0% to 74.5%) and nephron sparing treatment (0% to 100%) varied significantly among practices (p <0.001). Of 133 patients with T1 renal masses who underwent radical nephrectomy (39.8%) 53 had tumors smaller than 4 cm and/or surgical findings without malignancy. Readmission or emergency department visit within 30 days after renal surgery occurred in 7.6%. Initial findings of MUSIC-KIDNEY indicate practice level variation and several quality improvement opportunities. Focusing on these goals may optimize practice patterns and surgical outcomes across Michigan.

Instillation therapies for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Traditionally, urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract was a clear indication for radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision. It has been shown that in well-selected patients and depending on tumor stage, akidney-sparing approach can be pursued with good oncological outcome and equivalent to the radical approach. The prevention of local and bladder recurrences is an important factor. Instillation therapies with bacillus Calmette-Guérin and/or mitomycinC have been successfully used to this end. Due to the low incidence of upper tract urothelial cancer and due to the usually retrospective nature of existing literature, however, data is limited. In this article, we provide areview of the indication, technical execution and results of instillation therapies of the upper urinary tract.

Salvage topical therapy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Topical therapy (TT) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has been explored as a kidney sparing approach to treat carcinoma in situ (CIS) and as adjuvant for endoscopically treated Ta/T1 tumors. In bladder cancer, data support use of salvage TT for repeat induction. We investigate the outcomes of salvage TT for UTUC in patients ineligible for or refusing nephroureterectomy. A single-center retrospective review on patients receiving salvage TT via percutaneous nephrostomy tube or cystoscopically placed ureteral catheters was performed. Primary outcome was response to therapy based on International Bladder Cancer Group criteria. 51 patients with 58 renal units (RUs) received TT. Of these, 17 patients with 18 RUs received the second-line TT, with a median follow-up of 36.5months (IQR 24.5-67months). 44% (8/18) received salvage TT for refractory disease and 56% (10/18) as reinduction. 5 RUs with CIS were unresponsive to initial TT and went on to receive salvage TT, of which 20% (1/5) responded. 13 RUs recurred or relapsed following initial TT and received salvage TT for papillary tumors, with 62% (8/13) responding. Our data provide preliminary clinical rationale for the second-line TT for refractory and recurrent, endoscopically managed papillary UTUC in patients ineligible for or refusing nephroureterectomy. However, refractory upper tract CIS appears to have poor response to salvage TT.

Caveolin-1 Expression in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

BackgroundImprovement in postoperative risk stratification of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is required to better predict outcomes and counsel patients on adjuvant treatment. ObjectiveTo validate the association between caveolin-1 and oncological outcomes in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC. Design, setting, and participantsCaveolin-1 expression was evaluated via immunochemistry on a tissue microarray from 621 patients. Caveolin-1 was considered overexpressed when at least 50% of the tumor cells stained positive. The median follow-up in this retrospective study was 35 mo (interquartile range 16–65). InterventionRadical nephroureterectomy. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisUnivariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between caveolin-1 expression and recurrence and cancer-specific mortality (CSM). Results and limitationsCaveolin-1 was overexpressed in 150 patients (24%). Overexpression was associated with higher pathological stage (p<0.001) and grade (p<0.001). In univariate analyses, overexpression of caveolin-1 was significantly associated with lower recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.6; p=0.004) and CSM (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.7; p=0.005); however, multivariable analyses did not prove its independent association with outcomes. The study is limited by its retrospective nature. ConclusionsDespite overexpression in a quarter of UTUC patients, caveolin-1 was not independently associated with oncological outcomes. Its use could be evaluated to improve clinical staging of biopsy specimens and to help in clinical decision-making regarding a kidney-sparing approach or neoadjuvant systemic treatment. Patient summaryDevelopment of a panel of prognostic and predictive markers is mandatory for patient consultations in the era of personalized medicine. We evaluated the role of caveolin-1 in a large series of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and found that it was not independently associated with oncological outcomes. Nevertheless, it was associated with adverse pathological features. Considering caveolin-1 in UTUC biopsy specimens could help in improving clinical staging and decision-making regarding a kidney-sparing approach or neoadjuvant systemic treatment.

Prognostic role of decreased E-cadherin expression in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a multi-institutional study

Purpose To assess the role of E-cadherin as prognostic biomarker in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients.Methods Immunohistochemistry technique was used to evaluate E-cadherin expression in 678 patients with unilateral, sporadic UTUC treated with RNU. E-cadherin expression was considered decreased if 10 % or more cells had decreased expression (<90 %).ResultsDecreased E-cadherin expression was observed in 353 patients (52.1 %) and was associated with advanced pathological stage (P < 0.001), higher grade (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006), lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001), concomitant carcinoma in situ (P < 0.001), multifocality (P = 0.004), tumor necrosis (P = 0.020) and sessile architecture (P < 0.001). Within a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range 15–57), 171 patients (25.4 %) experienced disease recurrence and 150 (21.9 %) died from UTUC. In univariable analyses, decreased E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with worse recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival CSS (P = 0.006); however, in multivariable analyses, it was not (P = 0.74 and 0.84, respectively). The lack of independent prognostic value of E-cadherin remained true in all subgroup analyses.ConclusionIn UTUC patients treated with RNU, decreased E-cadherin expression is associated with features of biologically and clinically aggressive disease and worse outcome in univariable, but not multivariable, analyses. If E-cadherin’s association with factors of advanced disease is confirmed on UTUC biopsy specimens, it could be used to help in the clinical decision-making regarding kidney-sparing approaches and/or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Upper urinary tract disease: what we know today and unmet needs.

PurposeUpper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and poorly investigated disease. Intense collaborative efforts have increased our knowledge and improved the management of the disease. The objective of this review was to discuss recent advances and unmet needs in UTUC.MethodsA non-systematic Medline/PubMed literature search was performed on UTUC using the terms “upper tract urothelial carcinoma” with different combinations of keywords. Original articles, reviews and editorials in English language were selected based on their clinical relevance.ResultsUTUC is a disease with specific epidemiologic and risk factors different to urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Similarly to UCB, smoking increases the risk of UTUC and worsens its prognosis, whereas aristolochic acid (AA) exposure and mismatch repair genes abnormality are UTUC specific risk factors. A growing understanding of biological pathways involved in the tumorigenesis of UTUC has led to the identification of promising prognostic/predictive biomarkers. Risk stratification of UTUC is difficult due to limitations in staging and grading. Modern imaging and endoscopy have improved clinical decision-making, and allowed kidney-sparing management and surveillance in favorable-risk tumors. In high-risk tumors, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the standard. Complete removal of the intramural ureter is necessary with inferiority of endoscopic management. Post-RNU intravesical instillation has been shown to decrease bladder cancer recurrence rates. While the role of neoadjuvant cisplatin based combination chemotherapy and lymphadenectomy are not clearly established, the body of evidence suggests a survival benefit to these. There is currently no evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in UTUC.ConclusionsDespite growing interest and understanding of UTUC, its management remains challenging, requiring further high quality multicenter collaborations. Accurate risk estimation is necessary to avoid unnecessary RNUs while advances in technology are still required for optimal kidney-sparing approaches.

Fonction rénale et chirurgie du cancer du rein

Although radical nephrectomy is still practiced in many patients with large renal tumors, oncology and nephrology arguments for kidney-sparing approach for small renal masses has taken over this first. Indeed, partial nephrectomy provides equivalent oncologic results while preserving renal function and thereby limit morbidity and cardiovascular mortality related to chronic kidney disease. In addition, patients who develop kidney cancer often have medical comorbidities that may affect renal function, such as diabetes and hypertension. Histological examination of renal tissue adjacent to the tumor showed significant pathological changes in the majority of patients. For elderly patients or patients with comorbidities, active surveillance allows kidney-sparing approach with extremely low rates of progression and metastasis of cancer disease. Despite these significant advances in understanding for the treatment of small renal masses, partial nephrectomy remains underused. Better management must take into account the preservation of renal function in order to increase overall survival. A strategy for the systematic evaluation of renal function in patients with CR, with multidisciplinary staff (nephrologist urologist and oncologist), is therefore highly desirable.

Oncological and renal medical importance of kidney-sparing surgery

In the past decade, the medical and oncological rationale for kidney-sparing surgical approaches for small renal masses has been clarified. Although radical nephrectomy is still necessary for many patients diagnosed with large renal tumours, accumulating evidence indicates that partial nephrectomy provides equivalent oncological outcomes while also preserving renal function and preventing the adverse cardiovascular effects of chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, approximately 45% of resected small renal tumours are benign or indolent, with limited--if any--metastatic potential. Patients who develop kidney cancer often have medical comorbidities that can affect kidney function, such as diabetes and hypertension, and histological examination of the non-tumour-bearing elements of the kidney demonstrate significant pathological changes in the vast majority of patients. For elderly patients or patients with comorbidities, active surveillance provides an alternative kidney-sparing approach, and is associated with extremely low rates of clinical disease progression and metastases. Despite these important advances in understanding, which support the use of partial nephrectomy for the treatment of small renal masses, the technique remains underused.

Differential Use of Partial Nephrectomy for Intermediate and High Complexity Tumors May Explain Variability in Reported Utilization Rates

Partial nephrectomy has become a reference standard for tumors amenable to a kidney sparing approach but reported utilization rates vary widely. The R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines and hilar tumor touching main renal artery or vein) nephrometry score was developed to standardize the reporting of tumor complexity with applicability in academic and community based settings. We hypothesized that tumor and surgeon factors account for variable use of partial nephrectomy. Clinical and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score data were analyzed on 1,433 cases performed between 2004 and 2011 by a total of 19 surgeons with varying partial nephrectomy utilization rates (0% to 100%) who practiced at a total of 2 academic centers and 1 community based health system. Partial nephrectomy use increased during the study period from 36% before 2007 to 73% for 2010 to 2012 (p <0.0001). Increasing proportions of intermediate and high R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score tumors were treated with partial nephrectomy during this time (35% to 86% and 11% to 36%, respectively, p <0.0001). Partial nephrectomy use was stable for low complexity tumors at 91% overall. Individual surgeons performed partial nephrectomy for 0% to 100% of intermediate complexity and 0% to 45% of high complexity tumors. On multivariable analysis surgery year, tumor size, each R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score component, surgeon and annual surgeon volume predicted partial vs radical nephrectomy (each p <0.05). On multivariable analysis several surgeon factors, including surgeon volume, setting, fellowship training, and proportional use of minimally invasive and robotic partial nephrectomy, were associated with higher partial nephrectomy use (each p <0.002). Surgeon and tumor factors contribute significantly to the choice of partial nephrectomy. The significant variation in partial nephrectomy use by individual surgeons appears to be caused by differential treatment for intermediate and high complexity tumors. This may be due to surgical volume, training, setting and the use of minimally invasive techniques.

End stage and chronic kidney disease: associations with renal cancer.

There is a well known association between end stage renal disease and the development of kidney cancer in the native kidney of patients requiring renal replacement therapy. There is now emerging evidence that lesser degrees of renal insufficiency (chronic kidney disease, CKD) are also associated with an increased likelihood of cancer in general and kidney cancer in particular. Nephropathological changes are commonly observed in the non-tumor bearing portions of kidney resected at the time of partial and radical nephrectomy (RN). In addition, patients with renal cancer are more likely to have CKD at the time of diagnosis and treatment than the general population. The exact mechanism by which renal insufficiency transforms normal kidney cells into tumor cells is not known. Possible mechanisms include uremic immune inhibition or increased exposure to circulating toxins not adequately cleared by the kidneys. Surgeons managing kidney tumors must have an increased awareness of their patient’s renal functional status as they plan their resection. Kidney sparing approaches, including partial nephrectomy (PN) or active surveillance in older and morbidly ill patients, can prevent CKD or delay the further decline in renal function which is well documented with RN. Despite emerging evidence that PN provides equivalent local tumor control to RN while at the same time preventing CKD, this operation remains under utilized in the United States and abroad. Increased awareness of the bi directional relationship between kidney function and kidney cancer is essential in the contemporary management of kidney cancer.

Robotic partial nephrectomy: surgical technique

• Kidney sparing approaches have become the 'gold standard' for the management of small renal masses and have been shown to be equivalent to radical nephrectomy for oncological outcomes. • Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) has emerged as a feasible alternative to other minimally invasive approaches for patients requiring nephron-sparing surgery. • Several reports have highlighted the benefits of RPN, including a less demanding learning curve and shorter warm ischaemia time. • We describe our operative technique for transperitoneal RPN, discuss contemporary outcomes and suggest tips to avoid complications.

Increasing Use of Kidney Sparing Approaches for Localized Renal Tumors in a Community Based Health System: Impact on Renal Functional Outcomes

The use of partial nephrectomy and other kidney sparing approaches in national databases lags far behind practice patterns at major academic centers. The reasons and impact of this disparity are largely unknown. We examined the trend in kidney sparing approaches in a community based health care system to examine associated factors and impact on renal function. We evaluated the records of all patients who underwent intervention for suspicious renal lesions at a single health care system between 1998 and 2010. Demographic, pathological and functional data were collected in an institutional review board approved database. During the 12 study years a kidney sparing approach was used in 35% of patients with localized renal tumors. A clear increase in the proportion of patients undergoing a kidney sparing approach was observed, including 11%, 23% and 49% during successive 4-year periods. A kidney sparing approach was used in 81% of patients with tumors 4 cm or less during 2009 to 2010. Although high volume (greater than 20 cases annually), more recently graduating (2001 or later) and fellowship trained surgeons had higher kidney sparing approach use overall (each p <0.03), the proportion of patients who underwent a kidney sparing approach increased with time in all study groups (p <0.0001). The renal functional loss in patients who underwent a kidney sparing approach and radical nephrectomy was 2% and 30%, respectively (p <0.001). The kidney sparing approach rate in a community based health care system can approach rates at major academic centers. This practice pattern appears related to the addition of recent graduates and urological oncologists but also to a change in long-standing practice patterns of other community urologists. These data suggest that the use of kidney sparing approaches nationwide and the associated renal functional benefits may continue to increase.

Factors Predicting Renal Functional Outcome After Partial Nephrectomy

Compared to radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy better preserves renal parenchyma and function. Although several clinical factors may impact renal function after partial nephrectomy including preoperative function, age, gender and comorbidities, the contributions of tumor and surgical factors have not been well studied. We evaluate independent factors predicting functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. Preoperative and all postoperative serum creatinine values for 1,169 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy were used to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Postoperative nadir glomerular filtration rate and ultimate glomerular filtration rate were analyzed using multiple pertinent covariates. Median preoperative, postoperative nadir and ultimate glomerular filtration rates were 77, 57 and 71 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2), respectively. Increasing age, gender, lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate, solitary kidney, tumor size, ischemia time and longer time to nadir glomerular filtration rate significantly predicted postoperative nadir glomerular filtration rate and ultimate glomerular filtration rate. Acute loss of renal function predicted lower ultimate glomerular filtration rate. In the entire cohort, in patients with normal preoperative renal function, and in those with baseline stage 3 and those with stage 4 chronic kidney disease the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy was 3.6%, 0.8%, 6.2% and 34%, and the incidence of chronic end stage renal disease after partial nephrectomy was 2.5%, 0.1%, 3.7% and 36%, respectively. Lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate, solitary kidney, older age, gender, tumor size and longer ischemic interval all predicted lower glomerular filtration rate after partial nephrectomy. Therefore, duration of renal ischemia is the strongest modifiable surgical risk factor for decreased renal function after partial nephrectomy, and efforts to limit ischemic time and injury should be pursued in open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Radical Nephrectomy for pT1a Renal Masses May be Associated With Decreased Overall Survival Compared With Partial Nephrectomy

We reviewed our surgical experience with small renal tumors, comparing overall survival in patients treated with radical and partial nephrectomy. Using our nephrectomy registry we identified patients with sporadic, unilateral, solitary and localized renal masses 4 cm or less who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy between 1989 and 2003. Patients with a solitary kidney or impaired renal function at presentation were excluded, leaving 648 available for analysis. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and associations with death were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. At last followup 146 patients had died of any cause and 502 were alive at a median of 7.1 years. Radical and partial nephrectomy was performed in 290 and 358 patients, respectively. In all patients radical nephrectomy was not significantly associated with death from any cause compared with partial nephrectomy (RR 1.12, p = 0.52). However, there was a significant interaction with age, leading us to stratify our analysis at the median age of 65 years. In 327 patients younger than 65 years radical nephrectomy was significantly associated with death from any cause compared with partial nephrectomy (RR 2.16, p = 0.02). The increased risk of death persisted after adjusting for year of surgery (p = 0.02), preoperative creatinine (p = 0.03), Charlson-Romano index (p = 0.04), symptoms at presentation (p = 0.02), diabetes at presentation (p = 0.03) and histology (p = 0.02). Our results suggest that, compared with partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy is associated with decreased overall survival in younger patients with small renal masses.