OBJECTIVE To evaluate the oncologic adequacy of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in patients with pathologic Stage T1 renal cell carcinoma, we analyzed the long-term results in those treated with laparoscopy and those undergoing open surgery. METHODS The renal tumor of 263 patients was confirmed to be Stage T1 by pathologic examination of the radical nephrectomy specimen between January 1992 and June 2002. Of the 263 patients, 195 were treated laparoscopically and the remaining 68 by open surgery. The patient follow-up lasted until July 31, 2002. RESULTS The follow-up period of the laparoscopy group was 2 to 121 months (median 40). A total of 183 patients survived, 5 died of renal cancer, 7 died without any recurrent disease, and 7 were lost to follow-up. Seeding of the port sites did not develop in any of the patients. Ten patients had metastatic or recurrent disease within 3 to 110 months, and 5 of these patients died of cancer within 12 to 86 months. The 5-year disease-free and patient survival rate was 91%, and 94%, respectively. The 68 patients who underwent open surgery were followed up for 11 to 126 months (median 65). Of the 68 patients, 56 survived without any recurrent disease, 4 survived with metastasis, 6 died of metastatic disease within 8 to 49 months, and 6 were lost to follow-up. The 5-year disease-free and patient survival rate was 87% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an alternative technique with comparable oncologic results to open nephrectomy in patients with localized pathologic Stage T1 renal cell carcinoma.