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). Lap-aroscopic 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, mul-tifocal renal tumors. As the experience with these complex operations grows, perioperative, short-term functional and on-cologic 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.