Should kidney cancer patients choose kidney-preserving surgery or nephrectomy?

When kidney cancer patients choose surgery, the choice of kidney-preserving surgery or nephrectomy depends mainly on the size and location of the tumor and the experience of the surgeon.

1. The impact of tumor size: Generally speaking, the larger the tumor, the more likely it is that the entire kidney will be removed. This is because larger tumors may be more complex, involve a wider range, and the difficulty of surgery is relatively increased. However, for small tumors less than 4 cm, kidney-saving surgery is usually the preferred choice. In this case, the goal of the surgery is to remove the tumor while retaining as much healthy kidney tissue as possible to maintain kidney function.

2. Importance of tumor location: The location of the tumor is also a key factor in determining the type of surgery. For example, tumors located on the periphery of the kidney may be more suitable for kidney-sparing surgery because this location is usually easier to remove without damaging healthy kidney tissue. Tumors close to the center of the kidney or involving important blood vessels may require more complex surgical plans, sometimes even requiring removal of the entire kidney.

3. The surgeon's experience: The surgeon's skills and experience are crucial to the success of the surgery. Experienced doctors are better able to assess the characteristics of the tumor and choose the most appropriate surgical method. In some large medical centers, doctors may choose to perform kidney-saving surgery when the tumor size reaches between 4 and 7 cm. This requires doctors to have superb surgical skills and rich clinical experience.

4. Consideration of postoperative quality of life: An important advantage of kidney-sparing surgery is that it can preserve some kidney function, thus providing a better quality of life after surgery. This surgery may be more attractive to younger patients or those who wish to retain maximum kidney function. Although nephrectomy can completely remove the tumor, it may lead to permanent loss of kidney function, so more attention needs to be paid to kidney health after surgery.

5. Individualized treatment plan: Each patient's situation is unique, and the choice of surgical plan needs to take into account the patient's overall health, tumor characteristics, and personal preferences. Having an in-depth discussion with the doctor and understanding the risks and benefits of each surgery is the key to developing the best treatment plan.

6. Postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up: Regardless of the type of surgery chosen, postoperative rehabilitation and regular follow-up are important parts that cannot be ignored. Regular physical examinations and imaging examinations help monitor renal function and detect possible recurrences, ensuring that patients receive timely treatment and care.

Understanding these factors can help patients and families make more informed decisions when faced with kidney cancer surgery options. Working closely with your healthcare team to choose the treatment option that’s best for you is an important step in overcoming your disease.