The role of partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma continues to evolve in contemporary practice. Originally restricted to patients with a substantial risk of renal failure, the indications for partial nephrectomy now include selected individuals with tumors smaller than 7cm and a normal contralateral kidney. Long-term, cancer-specific survival data for patients undergoing elective partial nephrectomy now mirror outcome data for patients undergoing radical nephrectomy, with a decreased risk of chronic renal insufficiency. Ultimately, the indications will continue to evolve as surgeons become more familiar with the techniques of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.