Clinical profile and surgical outcomes of nephron-sparing surgery in renal tumors: A case series from India

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most prevalent kidney malignancies, with increasing incidence due to the widespread use of imaging techniques. It remains a significant healthcare challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is a preferred surgical approach for small and localized tumors, offering both oncological safety and renal function preservation. Methods: This case series analyzed 15 patients diagnosed with RCC who presented to our tertiary care hospital between 2018 and 2024 with a radiologically confirmed unilateral renal mass. Patients were evaluated through clinical assessment, imaging studies, histopathological examination, and laboratory investigations to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, renal function preservation, and imaging were assessed. Results: The case series included 15 patients (aged 34–75 years), with a male predominance (10/15), reflecting typical RCC demographics. Clear cell RCC (ccRCC) was the most common subtype. One case of right renal leiomyoma was identified, highlighting the need for differential diagnosis. Histopathological examination confirmed various tumor grades, with imaging (CT and MRI) effectively assessing tumor characteristics. Partial nephrectomy was successful in tumor removal, preserving renal function, especially for tumors between 4 and 7 cm. Postoperative follow-up showed no recurrence in most patients, emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of nephron-sparing surgery in localized RCC. Conclusion: Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) was safe and effective for localized RCC, especially in tumors 4–7 cm. Most patients had no recurrence and preserved renal function, supporting NSS as the preferred option for achieving both oncological control and renal preservation.