Quantifying preserved renal volume and function in patients undergoing standard partial nephrectomy vs. tumor enucleation for localized renal tumors

Introduction: Renal parenchymal volume loss from standard partial nephrectomy (SPN) is a significant prognosticator for postoperative renal function. Tumor enucleation (TE) minimizes parenchymal loss compared to SPN. Little is known regarding discrete changes in renal function associated with volume loss. We sought to quantify the differences between SPN and TE in preserving parenchymal volume and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods: We identified 420 patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy (SPN or TE) at our tertiary care center from 2009 to 2022. Parenchymal volumes were calculated using TeraRecon 3D reconstruction software from axial imaging performed preoperatively and within 6 months postoperatively. Renal volume preserved and renal function were evaluated with multivariable linear and logistic regression models.

Results: At 1 year, eGFR was 7% lower in patients undergoing SPN compared to TE (P < 0.01). Across both SPN and TE, only volume of preserved parenchyma was predictive of eGFR and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression (both P < 0.01). TE preserved more healthy parenchymal volume compared to SPN (median percentage 97.6% vs 89.2%; P < 0.001). Each 1% of volumetric loss corresponded to a 0.35% decrease in eGFR at 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Volume of preserved renal parenchyma was the strongest factor associated with preserved eGFR and reduced odds of CKD progression. TE preserved more parenchyma than SPN, which translated to higher eGFR preservation at 1 year postoperatively.