[Partial nephrectomy in Venezuela. Where are we? present considerations.].

Objectives: Partial nephrectomy was historically used in urology for the treatment of benign kidney processes. In the last 20 years, its greater use was focused on localized tumors being an alternative to radical nephrectomy. Initially, absolute indications included patients with a single kidney or bilateral tumors. Over time indications were expanded based on the risk of developing kidney disease, and became elective surgery in patients with tumors of less than 4 cm, and even tumors larger than 4 cm. We present a survey of the Venezuelan urological population, regarding partial nephrectomy, as part of treatment for renal masses.

Methods: Based on a 21-question survey, by Lopera Toro Adrián et al. Partial nephrectomy in Colombia: current situation, with their previous authorization and adding some questions, the survey was given to urologists and residents of the XXVII National Congress of Urology.

Results: 71 people answered, mostly from Caracas and the Metropolitan District (53.5%), 57 were urologists (80.2%) and 14 (19.71%) third year residents. The majority of urologists who answered the survey had a majority of 1 to 3 years of schooling (29.82%). 45.07% (n: 32/71) of the respondents practiced in most Level IV hospitals. 46.4% of these were university hospitals. 38.02% (n: 27/71) respondents did 4 or fewer radical nephrectomies per year. In the case of having a patient candidate for partial nephrectomy, 73.23% of the respondents performed it. Most of the respondents performed partial nephrectomies as part of the treatment of renal masses (84.5%).

Conclusions: In the first place, it was very supportive to have a survey designed by Lopera Toro Adrian et al. It allowed us to carry out a survey in our urological population and to see the current state of partial nephrectomy in our environment, considering that a large part of the urological population performs this surgery in order to preserve nephrons even if laparoscopy is not the most used technique. Nevertheless, clear indications are kept.