Retroperitoneoscopic versus open surgical radical nephrectomy for large renal cell carcinoma in clinical stage cT2 or cT3a : Quality of life, pain and reconvalescence

Abstract Objectives To determine whether retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy for large renal cell carcinoma in stage cT2 or cT3a is a feasible, safe and effective therapy option and if it shows any advantage regarding quality of life in comparison to open procedure. Methods 23 patients who underwent RPNx for tumor size greater than 7cm (group 1) were matched and compared with 25 patients, who underwent ONx (group 2) for tumor with similar size characteristics. Patient and surgical data, QoL variables and complications were statistically analyzed. Results The median followup was 12 (range: 6–18) months for both groups. Group 1 had significantly ( p p p Conclusions RPNx for large RCC in stage cT2 or cT3a is a safe and efficacious procedure with good short-term outcome results and significantly shorter recovery of QoL variables.