[Initial experience with radiofrequency percutaneous ablation of renal tumors]

To evaluate the usefulness of percutaneous or laparoscopic application of radiofrequency for ablation of tumoral tissue in patients with the diagnosis of solitary renal tumor.

3 male patients (one with bilateral renal tumor) underwent 4 radiofrequency ablation treatments (1 laparoscopic, 3 percutaneous) for renal masses between 1.5 and 5 cm (average 3.15 cm). Percutaneous approach was gained under ultrasound control. Energy was applied progressively, following standardized tables, requiring between 2 (tumor diameter 1.5 cm) and 4 cycles (diameter 5 cm) applied in quadrants. Postoperative control was performed in all cases by IV contrast helical CT scan.

Treatment was completed in all cases. In one case, laparoscopic tumorectomy was also performed. Radiofrequency cycles oscillated between 30 and 19 minutes depending on tumor size. There were not procedure-derived complications. IV contrast CT scan controls at 3 and 6 months showed absence of tumor in one case (1.5 cm) and absence of intratumoral contrast uptake in the rest of them.

Radiofrequency ablation of small renal tumors, either percutaneous or laparoscopic, is a well-tolerated and minimally invasive procedure. Adequate parameters to consider complete tumor tissue destruction remain to be determined and validated.