Radiofrequency thermal ablation of renal tumors

Radiol Med. 2014 Jul;119(7):499-511. doi: 10.1007/s11547-014-0412-1. Epub 2014 Jul 15.

Abstract

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) of renal malignancies is currently a therapeutic option for patients who are not able to undergo surgery. Some authors consider PRFA as the therapeutic standard in the treatment of renal neoplasms in non-operable patients due to comorbid conditions and in patients with mild-moderate renal failure, to preserve residual renal functionality. The use of PRFA has become more and more widespread due to a rise in the incidental detection of renal cell carcinomas with the ever-increasing use of Imaging for the study of abdominal diseases. Clinical studies indicate that RF ablation is an effective therapy with a low level of risk of complications, which provides good results in selected patients over short and medium term periods of time, however up to now few long-term studies have been carried out which can confirm the effectiveness of PRFA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional
  • Nephrectomy
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Radio Waves
  • Radiography, Interventional