OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the management of small renal masses. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (through March 2012) using PubMed, the Cochrane Central Search Library (though March 2012), and Web of Science (through March 2012). We retrieved citations using the text terms “small renal mass,” “laparoscopic,” “partial nephrectomy,” and “radical nephrectomy.” We limited the search to articles in the English language, to T1a renal tumors, and expanded the search using the related articles function. We also performed hand searches of references identified in electronically abstracted articles.RESULTS: There is a paucity of well conducted clinical trials to elucidate laparoscopic partial nephrectomy’s role.A number of assumptions had to be made to complete the review. Other than possibly less operative blood loss, less operative time, less inpatient stay time, and less cost, there was insufficient evidence to support laparoscopic partial nephrectomy over other modalities. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy appears to have a higher rate of radical nephrectomy conversion.CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence to clearly state that laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is the gold standard in the management of small renal masses. If this skill is part of a surgeon’s armamentarium, it is certainly not inferior to other modalities, and may offer some benefit to patients.