Are the long-term outcomes of percutaneous ablation for clinical stage T1 renal tumors similar to those of partial nephrectomy?

A better understanding of the natural history of small renal masses and the adverse effects of radical nephrectomy on long term renal function and subsequent morbidity and mortality led to a surge in the use of nephron sparing surgery and surveillance for the treatment of clinical stage T1 renal masses (1-3).