Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and wedge resection for the treatment of renal malignancy

The widespread use of abdominal ultrasonography, CT, and MRI has led to an increase in the number of incidentally detected renal masses, some of which are malignant, Numerous studies suggest that partial nephrectomy or wedge resection of these lesions yield cure rates similar to those obtained with radical surgery. Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is one of the more challenging minimally invasive surgical techniques, and its use is largely restricted to specialized medical centers. The techniques and available results are described.