Percutaneous renal cryoablation of angiomyolipomas in patients with solitary kidneys.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility and safety of performing percutaneous cryoablation of angiomyolipomas (AMLs) in patients with solitary kidneys.


METHODS
Three patients with AMLs involving a solitary kidney underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation. All lesions were located in the lateral/posterior part of the kidney, allowing for safe access from the skin for cryoprobe insertion. Intravenous sedation and local anesthesia were used for each patient. Follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and physical examination, urinalysis, and serum blood urea nitrogen/creatinine measurement were performed to evaluate for lesion recurrence and to evaluate the safety profile.


RESULTS
Three tumors (1.2-2.5 cm) were treated. The patients experienced minimal to no pain during percutaneous cryoablation, and all were discharged the same day. No procedural or postoperative complications were noted. During the follow-up period (5-36 months), the first 2 patients had no radiographic evidence of recurrence. Initial follow-up imaging of the third patient displayed persistent AMLs.


CONCLUSIONS
A review of the published data suggested the necessity to prophylactically treat AMLs of solitary kidneys. In this series, percutaneous cryoablation proved a safe and effective method for treating these lesions. This ultimately provides a minimally invasive option for similar patients, potentially avoiding an open surgical procedure or the risk of hemorrhage.
Johnson
Stephen C
SC
Department of Urology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
Graham
Stephen
S
D'Agostino
Horacio
H
Elmajian
Donald A
DA
Shingleton
W Bruce
WB
D000328:Adult; D018207:Angiomyolipoma / Q000601:surgery*; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*