Abstract
Increased utilization of cross-sectional abdominal imaging has led to a significant increase in the incidence of small renal masses. There is a growing body of literature suggesting that these lesions have a low malignant potential, thus supporting surveillance as a therapeutic option, particularly in the elderly population. Over the last decade, there has been an explosion of minimally invasive techniques for managing these lesions, including laparoscopic nephrectomy, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and, more recently, robotic-assisted surgery. The aim of this article is to review recent literature and assess the role of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery in the management of small renal masses.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.