Nowadays the majority of the kidney tumors are detected incidentally. Open partial nephrectomy (OPN) has been performed on these tumors for years and oncologic results were achieved similar to radical nephrectomy while preserving kidney functions with this treatment. These findings established the curative role of OPN in localized kidney tumors and OPN became the first treatment of choice for these patients. Recently increased interest in minimally invasive therapies lead laparoscopists to perform laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) on these patients. LPN is a challenging procedure and the technique is still developing. In experienced centers the intermediate-term oncological and functional results of LPN are similar to those of OPN. However ischemia time is longer and long learning curve is needed to achieve successful results. Because of these findings, OPN is still the gold standard for the treatment of localized kidney tumors. Larger series with longer follow-up and more applicable technique which can be learned easily are needed for the widespread use of LPN. Today, LPN is a good treatment option for localized kidney tumor in the hands of expert laparoscopists.