Examination of operative method for renal cortical tumors less than or equal to 4 cm and risk of chronic kidney disease

We retrospectively studied 63 patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy for solitary, renal cortical tumor (< or =4 cm) between 1997 and 2008. Analysis was undertaken, with chronic kidney disease defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) lower than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Multivariable analysis showed that radical nephrectomy remained an independent risk factor for patients developing new onset of GFR lower than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (hazard ratio 3.158 [95% CI 1.335-7.473]). Radical nephrectomy is a significant risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease.