The following complications may occur in either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery for kidney cancer: 1) bleeding; 2) infection; 3) perirenal organ injury (liver, spleen, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract); 4) pleural injury; 5) pulmonary embolism; 6) renal failure; 7) hepatic failure; 8) urinary leakage; 9) other complications. Attention should be paid to prevention and appropriate management. Severe cases can lead to patient death. Patients and their families should be informed of the risks and possible complications of surgery before surgery.