RF Destroys Tumors, Keeps Kidney Intact

A study has shown that radiofrequency (RF) ablation can destroy small renal masses while maintaining normal kidney function. The study was published in the April 2003 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Many renal masses are detected while a patient is undergoing an imaging examination for a different reason. More than 90% of renal masses are cancerous. Because of this, most patients automatically undergo a partial or total nephrectomy, which removes part or all of the kidney. Complications occur in 12-30% of cases and include hemorrhage and urine leakage. Complications and the fact that about 10% of renal masses are benign reinforce the need for less-radical treatment.

In the study, doctors used RF ablation to treat 24 tumors, all less than 5 cm, in 20 patients. The treatment takes only 10-25 minutes. Follow-up ranged from 2-39 months, with excellent technical success and no local recurrence of disease. Only minor complications occurred. Most patients, although fit for discharge the same day, were kept overnight as a precaution.

"Our study suggests that radiofrequency ablation may be the best way to manage many small renal masses. This treatment is part of a growing trend toward minimally invasive, image-guided therapies designed to reduce the morbidity of treatment and the length of hospital stays,” said David J. Breen, M.D., of Southampton University Hospitals (UK). The study was conducted by Dr. Breen and colleagues.




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