The current application of partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer

Partial nephrectomy (PN) enables surgeons to obtain both radical resection of renal tumor and maximal preservation of normal kidney, which brings benefits on survival time and life quality for patients with early stage kidney cancer. Nevertheless, how to select the patients suitable for PN still remains a clinical challenge. In this article, by analyzing the domestic and overseas application status of PN, we summarized the advantages and disadvantages of PN for patients at different stages as well as difficulties and risks in PN on complicated renal tumor. The appropriate surgical indications could benefit more patients with kidney cancer through PN. Key words: Kidney neoplasms; Partial nephrectomy; Laparoscopy; Robot