Reply from authors re: Jose A. Karam, Christopher G. Wood. Management of small renal masses: Watch, cut, freeze, or fry? Eur Urol. 2012;61:905-6

摘要

The treatment paradigm of patients presenting with small renal masses (SRMs) has shifted considerably over the last two decades [1]. We moved from a single option (radical nephrectomy) to a range of conservative treatments sharing the common principle of nephron sparing while maintaining oncologic safety [2,3], This paradigm shift has been driven by the changing characteristics of the patients presenting with SRMs, on the one hand, and by the increasing knowledge of the biology of renal masses and their natural history, on the other hand [4]. Moreover, as our colleagues suggest in their editorial [5], choice of treatment is actually based mainly on the features of the patient; on the tumor; and, de facto, on the experience and training of the urologist as well as the availability of the technology or instrumentation.