Is Minimally Invasive Surgery the Standard for Treating Kidney Cancer?

Minimally invasive techniques have become the primary approach in kidney cancer surgery. Today, most procedures for treating kidney cancer involve minimally invasive methods. These include radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and cytoreductive surgery. For the majority of patients diagnosed at an early stage, partial nephrectomy is often recommended as the preferred option.

There are multiple approaches available for partial nephrectomy. Depending on the hospital's equipment and the surgeon's expertise, the procedure can be performed through open surgery, laparoscopic techniques, or with robotic assistance. The goal is to remove the tumor while preserving as much kidney function as possible.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is currently the most widely used method in China. This technique, also known as kidney-sparing surgery, allows for the removal of the tumor while maintaining optimal kidney function. The choice of surgical method depends on the clinical stage of the cancer and overall patient condition.

Multimodal therapy often follows surgery. After the operation, additional treatments such as biological therapy may be recommended. In cases where the cancer has metastasized, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are commonly considered to manage the disease effectively.

Minimally invasive surgery continues to evolve and improve outcomes. As technology and surgical techniques advance, recovery times are shortened and complication rates are reduced. This evolution supports better long-term health outcomes for kidney cancer patients.