Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinoma: preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
To report early results in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal cell carcinoma with an expandable RF probe.


METHODS
In 14 patients (9 male, mean age 67.9 +/- 9.9 years) CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of 15 renal cell carcinomas was performed using an expandable LeVeen probe (diameter 2-4 cm) and a 200-watt generator under general anesthesia and CT control. Tumors exceeding a diameter of 3 cm (n=6) were embolized within 24 h prior to RFA. Average tumor size was 3.0 +/- 1.0 cm.


RESULTS
RFA was technically successful in all patients, resulting in a mean size of necrosis of 3.7 +/- 0.7 cm. With the exception of one reno-cutaneous fistula, which was successfully treated conservatively, no major complications were observed. No local recurrence was observed (follow-up: 13.9 +/- 12.4 months) while extrarenal tumor progression occurred in four patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary data suggest that nephron sparing percutaneous RFA of renal tumors with an expandable RF probe is safe and effective.
Mahnken
A H
AH
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Aachen University of Technology, Germany. mahnken@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Rohde
D
D
Brkovic
D
D
Günther
R W
RW
Tacke
J A
JA
D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014548:Urinary Fistula / Q000209:etiology