Long-term results of surgical treatment of renal carcinoma in solitary kidneys by extracorporeal resection and autotransplantation.

We describe the technique and present the long-term results of extracorporeal partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation in 6 patients with renal carcinoma. During a follow-up period exceeding 5 years, dialysis was not required and the patients' blood pressure improved or remained within normal limits. One patient died post-operatively from gastrointestinal bleeding. The mean duration of follow-up was 54 months (range 14-97). The alternatives to extracorporeal resection and autotransplantation (such as complete nephrectomy and in situ resection of the tumour) are discussed.