The Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Multifocal Renal Cell Carcinoma

Surgical excision remains the reference standard for treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive extirpative approaches are being increasingly employed in current urologic practice. Multiple tumors in the same kidney present a unique set of challenges for minimally invasive surgeons. As such, we review recent literature regarding minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery in patients with synchronous, ipsilateral, multifocal renal tumors. As the experience with these complex operations grows, perioperative, short-term functional and oncologic outcomes appear comparable to traditional open nephron-sparing surgery. Data on surgical approaches to patients with synchronous, ipsilateral, multifocal RCC are emerging. Short-term results suggest minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery is safe, feasible, and should be considered as a potential treatment option for patients who present with multiple tumors in the same renal unit.