Does the size of the surgical margin in partial nephrectomy for renal cell cancer really matter?
PURPOSE: Although many groups recommend a surgical margin of 1 to 2 cm., to our knowledge the amount of normal renal parenchyma that must be excised during partial nephrectomy for stages T1-2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma to ensure a safe margin has never been critically evaluated. We investigated whether the size of the surgical margin has any effect on recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All partial nephrectomies performed for localized renal cell carcinoma at our institution from 1988 to 1999 were retrospectively analyzed via a review of hospital records, pathology reports and histological slides. Parenchymal margin status was assessed and quantified by microscopy. Followup data were obtained via patient chart review and telephone interview. Average negative margin size and postoperative followup were determined, and renal cell carcinoma recurrence was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 44 partial nephrectomies were performed with a mean followup of 49 months (range 8 to 153). Mean tumor size
