OBJECTIVETo evaluate the alterations in renal function after radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to determine the risk factors for the onset of postoperative renal function impairment.

METHODSWe assessed the renal function of 429 T1a RCC patients by investigating the time-dependent changes of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after surgery from August 2003 to August 2010. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine the risk factors for the onset of an eGFR < 60 ml · min⁻¹ · 1.73 m⁻² function, and to evaluate the prognosis for the two groups.

RESULTSThe mean eGFR values (ml · min⁻¹ · 1.73 m⁻²) at postoperative 1, 7 days, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 51.4 ± 12.6, 52.1 ± 17.8, 53.2 ± 19.5, 54.6 ± 20.2, 53.8 ± 16.6, 52.7 ± 22.3 and 51.5 ± 18.4 in the RN group and 69.6 ± 18.3, 70.3 ± 19.5, 71.5 ± 21.4, 76.2 ± 22.8, 75.4 ± 19.7, 74.3 ± 16.3 and 73.1 ± 23.2 in the PN group, respectively. The eGFR of the radical nephrectomy group was significantly lower than that of the partial nephrectomy group (P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that radical nephrectomy and age were risk factors for the onset of postoperative chronic renal dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONSRenal function recovered partially after partial and radical nephrectomy and is maintained constantly after 3 months. Surgical mode and age are risk factors for the onset of postoperative eGFR < 60 ml · min⁻¹ · 1.73 m⁻² impairment. Compared with radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy can preserve renal function and reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic renal dysfunction.