Energy-based renal tumor ablation: a review

The trend toward minimally invasive options in the management of renal tumors has prompted interest in energy-based ablation techniques as a possible alternative to radical or partial nephrectomy in select patients. Such techniques include radiofrequency thermal ablation, microwave thermotherapy, laser interstitial thermal therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, interstitial photon radiation ablation, and cryoablation. This review describes the current status of these techniques as they apply to the management of renal tumors.