Objective:To investigate the method and effect of nephron-sparing surgery in the treatment of small renal cell carcinoma. Methods: From August 1997 to October 2008, 48 cases of small renal cell carcinomas were confirmed by surgery and pathology, and reviewed retrospectively. Of the 48 cases, there was 1 patient with bilateral tumors, 8 with solitary kidney tumors, 1 with unilateral tumor and a damaged contralateral kidney, and 38 with unilateral tumors and a normal contralateral kidney; 9 underwent tumor enucleation and the remaining patients received partial nephrectomy. Results:There were no local tumor recurrences and/or tumor metastasis at a mean follow--up of 60 months. Conclusion: Confirming conclusions from other centers, we have found that nephron-sparing surgery is an effective treatment for small renal cell carcinomas.