Minimally invasive ablative technique for the treatment of small renal masses
Gulur, D.; Crow, P.; Keeley, F.X.
Archivio Italiano di Urologia Andrologia Organo Ufficiale di Societa Italiana di Ecografia Urologica e Nefrologica 81(2): 100-106
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1124-3562 PMID: 19760865 Document Number: 636055
Minimally invasive nephron sparing techniques are becoming popular treatment modalities in the face of smaller renal tumours diagnosed in an increasingly elderly population. Techniques include cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation, delivered via percutaneous or laparoscopic approaches. Laparoscopic cryoablation shows the lowest recurrence rates but this must be balanced against higher morbidity compared to the percutaneous approaches. To date, studies are limited by lack of biopsy data and accurate measurement of the effects of treatment on renal function. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy represents the main minimally invasive alternative to these ablative techniques, but remains a technically challenging procedure. In the short term renal cryoablation and RFA appear to represent safe, effective minimally invasive nephron sparing techniques in the treatment of small renal tumours. Further studies examining long term recurrence rates and renal outcome will help to determine the utility of these techniques in managing renal tumours.