title: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of small renal tumors using CT-guidance: a review and its current role.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide key evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes of radiofrequency ablation and limit recurrences of small renal tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature was searched via OvidSP MEDLINE from 1997 to current using MeSH terms. All levels of evidence and types of reports were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We comprehensively reviewed technical issues, mechanisms, imaging criteria, ablative success, enhancement within one month, contraindications, oncological efficacy, morbidity rates, and follow-up strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique is safe and effective. Tumors < 2.5 cm are statistically most likely to remain disease-free. Anterior tumors are contraindicated. Strict follow-up is needed to detect failures, most of which occur within 3 months and can be easily salvaged with repeat radiofrequency ablation. Homogeneous enhancement within 1 month is not necessarily a failure, and tends to disappear after 4 to 6 weeks. Multi-disciplinary meetings must occur to discuss each case prior to treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology & Robotics, McGill University Health Centre, Canada. rlhad01@gmail.com
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.forename: Manish I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vladica
authors.forename: Wassim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kassouf
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bladou
authors.forename: Maurice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anidjar
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D015642:Radiology, Interventional; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed