Radiofrequency Ablation of Small Renal Masses: Outcomes, Complications and Effects on Renal Function

Introduction:To describe oncological outcomes, effects on renal function and complications with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of T1 renal tumors in an 8-year experience.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study of RFA in 89 consecutive patients between 2005 and 2013 was undertaken. Those with metastatic disease, incomplete follow-up, genetic pre-disposition to renal tumors and biopsy proven benign pathology were excluded, with 79 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Data was collected on demographics, oncological outcomes, complications and effects on renal function.Results:We demonstrate 94% disease-free survival at median follow-up of 29 months in a population consisting of 42 T1a and 37 T1b tumors. No disease related deaths were recorded in the follow-up period. Post-RFA decline in renal function was shown to correlate with tumor size and increased age (p = 0.0009/0.0021). Pre-existing renal impairment was a risk for post-RFA function decline (p
Source: Current Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research