Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors in solitary kidney patients.

OBJECTIVES 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.