Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Treating Small Renal Masses

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyse and assess the experience with radiofrequency ablation of small renal masses using a contrast-enhanced, ultrasound-guided percutaneous approach for patients who are not suitable for surgical resection and/or who refused surveillance or observation.Material and method: From January 2007 to August 2015, 164 treatments were performed on a total of 148 patients. We present the patients' clinical-radiological characteristics, oncological and functional results in the short and medium term.Results: The overall technical success rate was 97.5%, with a successful outcome in 1 session in 100% of the lesions <= 3 cm and 92% in lesions measuring 3-5 cm. The mean tumour diameter in the patients for whom the treatment was ultimately successful was 2.7 cm, while the mean diameter of these in the unsuccessful operations was 3.9 cm (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates.Conclusions: Despite the low rate of positive renal biopsies in the series, ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for treating small renal lesions appears to be an effective and safe procedure with a minimum impact on renal function, an acceptable oncologic control in the short and medium term and a low rate of complications. (C) 2017 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.