Long‐term results of nephron‐sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma in 114 patients: risk factors for progressive disease

OBJECTIVES To evaluate risk factors for metastatic disease after nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS NSS for RCC was used 117 times in 114 patients at our institution; 61 had a normal contralateral kidney and were selected for elective NSS, and in 56 cases (53 patients) the indication for NSS was imperative. Univariate and multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for metastatic disease. RESULTS After a mean follow‐up of 80 months, there was tumour progression in 17 of the 114 patients (15%). In the univariate analysis, the tumour diameter (P = 0.03) and imperative indication (P = 0.009), and in multiple regression analysis only imperative indication, were significant risk factors for metastatic disease (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Elective NSS for RCC provides excellent long‐term results in selected patients, whereas those undergoing NSS imperatively are at a significantly higher risk of metastatic disease and require a close follow‐up.