Over the last two decades, nephron-sparing surgery has gained more and more importance. Initially it was done for imperative indications to preserve the remaining function of solitary kidneys. Today, because of favourable oncological results, elective nephron-sparing surgery is increasingly performed. According to the latest European Association of Urology guidelines on renal cell carcinoma, nephron-sparing surgery for tumours less than 4 cm with a healthy contralateral kidney is considered the standard therapeutic option because of excellent postoperative outcome and favourable oncological results. At major urological institutions, nephron-sparing surgery is even offered to patients with tumours larger than 4 cm (easy access, with partial resection deemed oncologically and technically feasible) for so-called extended elective indications. This review summarises the indications, perioperative management, various surgical approaches and techniques, and oncological results for nephron-sparing surgery, briefly highlighting data from our own institution.