Cryosurgical ablation of renal tumors using 1.5-millimeter, ultrathin cryoprobes.
BACKGROUND
To describe an open technique for the cryosurgical ablation of small renal tumors using multiple ultrathin cryoprobes. Renal cryosurgery is an evolving surgical technique, and uncertainties exist regarding the ideal approach to freezing renal tumors.


METHODS
Using an open surgical approach, a 3-cm upper pole renal mass was ablated using five, state-of-the-art, 1.5-mm cryoprobes simultaneously under real-time ultrasound guidance. The technique is described and demonstrated in a multisegment, Internet-based video tutorial. The blood loss was minimal, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were experienced. Follow-up imaging at 3 months suggested shrunken, nonviable tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
Cryosurgical ablation of renal tumors using multiple 1.5-mm cryoprobes is a safe, feasible approach that may be associated with a decreased risk of bleeding.
Pantuck
Allan J
AJ
Division of Urologic Oncology, Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-1738, USA.
Zisman
Amnon
A
Cohen
Jeffrey
J
Belldegrun
Arie
A
D018262:Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D052177:Kidney Diseases, Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional