Radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors: Practical aspects and results

To report our experience in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors, emphasizing technical aspects and indications and analyzing our results. We retrospectively analyzed 20 tumors in 13 patients (10 with a single kidney, 2 who had refused surgical treatment, and 1 with severe comorbidities). All procedures were carried out using the radiofrequency interstitial tumor ablation (RITA) technique under general anesthesia and CT guidance. All patients underwent follow-up CT examination with and without intravenous contrast administration; the absence of enhancement was considered complete necrosis. The mean size of the tumors was 2.8 cm. Complete necrosis was achieved in 17 tumors (85%); complete necrosis was achieved in 100% of the exophytic tumors and in 50% of the tumors with mixed growth after 14 months' follow-up. Complete ablation was achieved in 15 of the 16 tumors measuring < or =3.5 cm. In 9 of the 10 patients with a single kidney (four of whom had more than one tumor), renal function remained normal after the procedure; the other patient developed hydronephrosis after a urinary tract lesion and died. The patient who died also developed a subcapsular liver lesion that did not require transfusion when another tumor was treated transhepatically. In experienced hands and with careful selection of patients (exophytic tumors < or =3.5 cm), radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors can achieve excellent oncologic results with minimal morbidity and mortality.