Renal functional outcomes after surgery for renal cortical tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the established literature on renal functional outcomes and related pathologies after surgery for renal cortical tumors. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent data support the prevailing notion that radical nephrectomy is associated with higher rates of chronic kidney disease, regardless of the metric used in determining renal function. Furthermore, higher rates of chronic kidney disease in patients receiving radical nephrectomy have been associated with more noncancer deaths and higher rates of cardiovascular mortality. SUMMARY: Patients undergoing radical nephrectomy are at an increased risk of noncancer mortality, and in some cases, cardiovascular events and death. A comprehensive preoperative risk assessment is paramount in managing newly diagnosed patients with small renal masses.