When faced with a diagnosis of a kidney tumour, many patients assume the entire kidney must be removed. However, in modern urology, this is no longer always the case.A partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer — also called a nephron-sparing surgery — allows the surgeon to remove only the diseased portion of the kidney while preserving […]
When faced with a diagnosis of a kidney tumour, many patients assume the entire kidney must be removed. However, in modern urology, this is no longer always the case.
A partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer — also called a nephron-sparing surgery — allows the surgeon to remove only the diseased portion of the kidney while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
At Dr MC Conradie Inc., the focus is on organ-saving, minimally invasive surgery that preserves kidney function without compromising cancer control. This precision-driven approach demands advanced laparoscopic expertise, meticulous surgical planning, and an unwavering commitment to long-term patient outcomes.
Dr MC Conradie is one of the most experienced surgeons in South Africa, having performed the highest number of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy cases in the country. Her refined technique and surgical outcomes have been published in the Journal of Endourology — reflecting international recognition of her contribution to the field of minimally invasive urology.
What Is a Partial Nephrectomy?
A partial nephrectomy involves the surgical removal of a tumour or mass from the kidney while leaving the rest of the organ intact. Unlike a total nephrectomy — where the entire kidney is removed — this procedure preserves healthy nephrons (the filtering units of the kidney) to maintain optimal renal function.
Studies show that 25–30% of patients with renal cancer also have coexisting medical conditions. This high incidence reflects how kidney cancer often occurs in individuals with other systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or chronic kidney disease. These comorbidities not only increase the complexity of surgical management but also make organ-preserving approaches, such as partial nephrectomy, particularly important to maintain overall kidney function and reduce postoperative risks.
Through laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques, Dr Conradie performs this procedure with minimal incisions, ensuring:
Who Needs a Partial Nephrectomy?
Partial nephrectomy is the preferred treatment for most small or localised renal tumours (T1 stage) and for patients who may lose significant kidney function with complete removal.
Indications include:
The Benefits of Kidney Preservation
Every kidney counts. Even partial loss of renal tissue can have lasting health implications.
Key benefits of organ preservation include:
Preserving kidney tissue is not just a surgical preference — it’s a medical priority in modern urology.
Using a R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Scoring System to Guide Surgical Decision
Not all kidney tumours are the same — and neither are their surgical solutions.
To determine whether a partial or radical nephrectomy is most appropriate, specialists use a R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring system.
This system objectively assesses key tumour features on preoperative imaging, including:
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Performing a partial nephrectomy is a delicate balance between oncological safety (complete tumour removal) and functional preservation (saving as much healthy tissue as possible).
Dr Conradie uses advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques to ensure this balance is achieved with precision.
The procedure involves:
With a minimally invasive approach, patients benefit from smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery times — without compromising cancer outcomes.
Why Surgeon Expertise Matters
Partial nephrectomy is among the most technically demanding procedures in urology.
It requires not only surgical precision but also expert judgment to determine when organ preservation is safe and feasible.
Dr MC Conradie’s international training (operating in countries such as Argentina and Egypt and in Europe) and her extensive experience in minimally invasive, reconstructive, and oncological urology position her among the few specialists capable of performing these complex surgeries with confidence and accuracy.
Every decision — from incision to closure — is guided by pentafecta:
Functional Outcomes and Recovery
Most patients who undergo a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy experience excellent postoperative kidney function and swift recovery.
Typical outcomes include:
Continuous follow-up and imaging ensure long-term stability and peace of mind.
When to Seek Specialist Care
Early referral to a urological specialist with experience in organ-preserving surgery is key.
Many small renal masses can be treated effectively without full kidney removal, but timing and surgical expertise make all the difference.
If you or your patient has been diagnosed with a kidney tumour, it’s important to explore your options before committing to a radical nephrectomy.
Excellence in Organ-Preserving Urology
Partial nephrectomy represents the future of kidney cancer treatment — one where technology, skill, and patient-centred care meet to preserve both life and organ function.
Dr MC Conradie continues to advance this philosophy through her minimally invasive, precision-based surgical approach, ensuring that South African patients have access to world-class urological care.For more information or to book a consultation with Dr MC Conradie, contact our practice to discuss personalised, organ-preserving surgical options.
