Pilot experience with real-time ultrasound guided percutaneous renal mass cryoablation.
OBJECTIVE
We describe our pilot experience with percutaneous cryoablation of renal masses using real-time sonography.


METHODS
Three patients presented with 4 renal masses in 4 kidneys, which enhanced with contrast administration by computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging criteria. Renal neoplasm cryoablation was performed using general anesthesia with 17 gauge cryoneedles percutaneously placed into the renal tumor under real-time sonographic guidance. Followup cross-sectional imaging was performed 6 to 7 weeks following cryoablation in all patients.


RESULTS
No perioperative complications were noted. All patients were discharged home within 24 hours of the procedure and postoperative pain was controlled with oral nonnarcotic medications. Followup cross-sectional imaging indicated that the lesions shrank an average 63% +/- 15% from initial pretreatment volume. Importantly none of the lesions showed contrast enhancement by computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Our initial experience shows that percutaneous, sonographically guided renal neoplasm cryoablation can be a safe method for treating renal masses.
Bassignani
Mtthew  J
M
Departments of Radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
Moore
Yan
Y
Watson
Laurence
L
Theodorescu
Dan
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography