title: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors in solitary kidney patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In solitary kidney patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) could be effective in achieving complete tumor necrosis without increasing the risk of complications or renal failure. To analyze the outcomes of a group of solitary kidney patients treated for RCC by RFA considering tumor size and location, renal function involvement and complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  A transversal retrospective study was performed, in which we selected 11 solitary kidney patients with 19 tumors in total treated by RFA for one or more renal tumors. A CT protocol was used for follow up. It included unenhanced series and contrast enhanced series at 1 month, 3-6 months, 12 months and yearly after RFA. Serum creatinine levels of each patient, pre RFA and within the first 48 hours after RFA, were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete ablation was achieved in 17 tumors (89.4%) after one or two RFA sessions. 100% of exophytic and parenchymal tumors, and 3 cm size or smaller, were completely ablated. Renal failure, immediate complications or more than 24 hours hospitalization were not observed in 10 (90.1%) of our patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RFA treatment for RCC in solitary kidney patients has a high success rate; it does not affect renal function and achieves complete initial tumor necrosis, especially in exophytic, parenchymal and 3 cm or smaller lesions.
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Sección de Radiología Vascular e Intervencionista, Universitary Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain. eljim@correo.ugr.es
authors.forename: Elvira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jiménez
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zurera
authors.forename: Juan José
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Espejo
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Requena
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodríguez de Tembleque
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000293:injuries
chemical_list: D003404:Creatinine