This study aimed to investigate factors taken into account when considering the indication of partial nephrectomy (PN). In October 2011, a questionnaire prepared with reference to the American Urological Association small renal mass survey and RENAL nephrometry score, and focusing on the factors taken into account when considering the use of PN, such as differences among candidates for open PN or laparoscopic PN was sent to 40 institutions. We received replies from 32 of the 40 institutions (average 611 beds) to which the questionnaire was sent. The total number of surgeries performed for renal tumors at the 32 institutions was 844 in 2009 and 889 in 2010. The number of PNs performed was 174 in 2009 (open : 61, laparoscopic : 113), and 241 in 2010 (open : 103, laparoscopic : 138), which represents a 38.3% increase. All respondents reported that renal function prior to PN was considered to be important, followed by tumor size, tumor number, and hereditariness. There were significantly more indications for open PN than for laparoscopic PN, and they were based on tumor size, degree of protrusion, and distance from the renal sinus. In addition, a clear tendency toward avoiding laparoscopic PN for cystic renal cancer was found. In addition, the institutions with a larger number of PNs tended to indicate more complicated cases including larger tumor size or entirely endophytic cases. This study has a limitation in that it was intended for a relatively large hospital, but these results can be useful information for institutions that are considering the introduction of open or laparoscopic PN.