Underutilization of partial nephrectomy for stage T1 renal cell carcinoma in the United States, trends from 2000 to 2008. A long way to go.

Introduction: Recent American Urologic Association Guidelines for small renal masses recommend partial nephrectomy for surgical treatment of T1 renal masses to preserve renal function and minimize cardiovascular comorbidities. This procedure is performed more often than in the past, after the technical issues of hemorrhage, fistula, and technique evolved. We reviewed the trends, practice patterns, and application of partial nephrectomy for T1 renal cell carcinoma in the United States from 2000 to 2008, before the American Urologic Association Guidelines. The objective is to investigate whether economic or societal factors favor the use of partial over radical nephrectomy surgery.

Methods: Data on 142,194 cases from 1267 hospitals diagnosed with kidney and renal pelvis cancer in the National Cancer DataBase from 2000 to 2008 were the basis of the study.

Results: Partial nephrectomy rates for stage T1 kidney and renal pelvis cancer have increased from 17% in 2000 to 31% in 2008. Differences in partial nephrectomy rates that arise from sex or race were not large. However, there was a disproportionate increase based on income and education. Also, there were differences based on insurance status; patients with managed care, in the military and veterans had higher partial nephrectomy rates. Partial nephrectomy rates were higher in teaching and research hospitals and in veterans hospitals. Geographically, the procedure was performed at higher rates in the eastern and midwestern parts of the country.

Conclusions: Partial nephrectomy rates for stage T1 renal cell carcinoma increased from 17% in 2000 to 31% in 2008. The procedure has been used preferentially with patients who are more educated and have high incomes.