Active Surveillance is Superior to Radical Nephrectomy and Equivalent to Partial Nephrectomy for Preserving Renal Function in Patients with Small Renal Masses: Results from the DISSRM Registry

Abstract

Patients in the surveillance arm had superior estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation compared to those in the radical nephrectomy but not the partial nephrectomy arm. In certain patients with small renal masses surveillance and partial nephrectomy may offer comparable renal functional outcomes. This could be partly attributable to a modest estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease associated with surveillance itself. A thorough understanding of the renal functional impacts of treatment modalities is critical in the management of small renal masses.