Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinomas in patients with solitary kidney: 6 years experience.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we attempt to present our clinical experience in RFA under CT-guidance, in patients with renal cell carcinoma in a solitary kidney.


METHODS
Between October 2000 and June 2005, 18 patients with solitary kidney and renal cell carcinoma underwent percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation in our institution. Tumors diameter ranged from 1 to 7 cm and there was no evidence of spread beyond the kidney. The RFA-system used was with expandable needle electrode (7 or 9 arrays). Technical success, recurrence and survival rate and complications were accessed. Patients were available for clinical and laboratory evaluation at a mean follow-up time of 31.2 months (range: 12-72 months).


RESULTS
In all cases the electrode was successfully placed at the lesion. The 18 tumors were treated with totally 24 RFA sessions. In small (1-3 cm) exophytic tumors technical success was 85.7%. Residual disease was totally seen in 6/18 tumors which required a 2nd RFA session. The recurrence rate was 11.1% but no recurrence was noticed in tumors less than 3 cm in diameter. No major complications were observed. Serum creatinine values were normal in 17/18 patients till the 3rd-month follow-up. Survival ranged from 12 to 72 months.


CONCLUSIONS
RFA is an acceptable alternative for patients with small RCCs in a solitary kidney, which are not ideal candidates for surgical resection as their renal function must be preserved. They have an immediate solution to their clinical problem, under a minimally invasive therapy with no serious complications.
Mylona
Sophia
S
Interventional Radiology-CT Department, HELLENIC RED CROSS Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Kokkinaki
Anna
A
Pomoni
Maria
M
Galani
Panagiota
P
Ntai
Sparti
S
Thanos
Loukas
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome