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Illustration of a surgeon wearing a yellow scrub, standing upright.

Partial nephrectomy for metastatic kidney cancer

Partial nephrectomy is a surgery to remove only the part of the kidney with cancer, and keep the healthy part. This helps protect kidney function.

Understanding the surgery

In metastatic kidney cancer, partial nephrectomy is not common. It may be considered in selected cases, such as:

  • When the tumour is small and located in an accessible area,
  • If you only have one functioning kidney, or
  • If protecting the kidney function is very important.

Your doctor will evaluate whether this surgery fits your case, often as part of a broader treatment plan that includes drug therapy.

Illustration of a partial nephrectomy, a surgical procedure removing part of the kidney
In partial nephrectomy, the tumour is removed while keeping as much of the healthy kidney as possible.
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Illustration showing laparoscopic surgical procedure to treat urinary incontinence
In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor uses small cuts in the abdomen to insert the surgical tools.
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Illustration of a kidney with a JJ stent in place, no stones present, related to kidney cancer
A small tube called a double-J stent is placed from the kidney, through the ureter and into the bladder, to make sure urine can flow properly. It is temporary.
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  • The choice of surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted) depends on the size and location of the tumour and the experience of the surgical team.
  • Sometimes, in hospitals where it is available, a surgical robot is used to assist with laparoscopic surgery. This is called robot-assisted surgery. Watch this video to see what a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy looks like.

Partial nephrectomy is a common surgery for kidney cancer that hasn’t spread. Most people stay cancer-free for years after the surgery. However, the chance of the cancer coming back depends on the type of tumour and the results of the laboratory examination (pathology). Keeping as much healthy kidney as possible helps your kidneys work well and supports your overall health.

This chapter contains general information about partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: July 2026

Reviewed by (2026 update): 

  • Ms. Rose Woodward (EAU Guidelines Panel on Renal Cell Cancer)
  • Dr. Stephanie Bonn (EAU Guidelines Panel on Renal Cell Cancer)