title: Pneumodissection: an alternative protective technique for the percutaneous cryoablation of small renal masses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Percutaneous cryoablation is an emerging treatment option for the small renal mass. It poses a risk of thermal injury to adjacent tissues, limiting its application. We describe pneumodissection, a novel technique for preventing thermal injury during percutaneous cryoablation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cases of 4 patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation and pneumodissection were retrospectively reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pneumodissection mechanically separated four tumors from overlying bowel segments (mean distance 1.2 ± 0.4 cm), permitting successful cryoablation. There were no complications or recurrences with 7.5 months of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pneumodissection is a feasible displacement technique that facilitates percutaneous cryoablation in at-risk patients. Further study is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Center for Urologic Oncology & Minimally Invasive Therapies, Urology Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Maurice
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Haaga
authors.forename: Dean A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Nakamoto
authors.forename: Lee E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Ponsky
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004210:Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden