Imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation of renal masses

Substantial and growing evidence indicates that imaging-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of small renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) is effective for complete tumor eradication. The rate of successful radiofrequency treatment of small RCCs ranges from 79% to 97%, with a 1% rate of serious complications. For patients who are considered high-risk candidates for nephrectomy, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation represents another treatment option. The article summarizes the published results for this technique and also describes the indications, techniques, procedural risks, and applications for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of RCCs. The successful use of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of recurrent and metastatic RCCs is also described.