Retroperitoneoscopy-assisted cryoablation of renal tumors using multiple 1.5 mm ultrathin cryoprobes: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic cryoablation has recently been proposed as a minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment for selected patients. We report on our experience with a retroperitoneoscopic technique using multiple ultrathin cryoprobes.


METHODS
Seven patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic renal cryoablation for solid renal masses. Mean tumor size on the CT scan was 2.6 (1.5-3.5) cm. A double freeze-thaw cycle of renal cryoablation was performed under real-time ultrasound monitoring using a total of six 1.5-mm cryoprobes simultaneously.


RESULTS
Cryoablation was technically successful in all patients without any need for conversion. Mean duration of surgery was 161 (130-195) minutes and mean blood loss was 107 (50-250) ml. Perioperative biopsy of the tumor confirmed renal cell carcinoma in four patients and angiomyolipoma in two patients; it was inconclusive in one case. Mean follow-up for 13.6 (4-22) months showed no evidence of residual tumor or recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Retroperitoneoscopy-assisted cryosurgical ablation using multiple ultrathin 1.5-mm cryoprobes is a minimally invasive treatment that is suitable to treat small renal tumors.
Bachmann
Alexander
A
Department of Urology, Basel University Hospital, Spitalstrasse 21, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland. bachmanna@uhbs.ch
Sulser
Tullio
T
Jayet
Christian
C
Wyler
Stephen
S
Ruszat
Robin
R
Reich
Oliver
O
Gasser
Thomas C
TC
Siebels
Michael
M
Stief
Christian G
CG
Casella
Roberto
R
D000368:Aged; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged