PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the standard surgical treatment for renal carcinoma?

1. Partial nephrectomy

2. Radical nephrectomy

3. Transurethral resection

4. Nephroectomy

The correct answer is: Radical nephrectomy

The standard surgical treatment for renal carcinoma, particularly in cases where the tumor is localized and there are no signs of metastasis, is a radical nephrectomy. This procedure involves the complete removal of the affected kidney along with surrounding fatty tissue and often includes the removal of nearby lymph nodes. The rationale for choosing radical nephrectomy over other surgical options lies in its thoroughness; it aims to achieve clear margins and reduce the risk of recurrence by eliminating both the tumor and potentially involved tissues. Partial nephrectomy, while a viable option in select cases where preserving kidney function is paramount and the tumor is small and confined, does not provide the same level of assurance regarding the complete excision of aggressive tumors. Transurethral resection is typically reserved for localized bladder cancer and is not applicable for renal carcinoma. The term nephroectomy is somewhat ambiguous but may refer to either radical or partial nephrectomy, with radical nephrectomy being the more specific and widely accepted approach in treating renal carcinoma. In summary, radical nephrectomy remains the gold standard for renal carcinoma due to its effectiveness in addressing localized disease and reducing the risk of recurrence.