Radiofrequency ablation partial nephrectomy: a new method of nephron-sparing surgery in selected patients

From July 2002 to April 2005, seven radiofrequency ablation partial nephrectomies have been carried out in seven selected patients. A cool-tip Tyco radiofrequency device under intraoperative ultrasound guidance was used. After intervention, tumors were removed and their tissue with their margins were verified histopathologically. Procedure efficacy was assessed by multidetector computed tomography and by ultrasound. Complications included urine leakage in three cases. Histopathologically, in every case renal cell carcinoma was detected. There is no need for dialysis and there has been no tumor recurrence. No bleeding without clamping renal pedicle, easy tumor extraction and, we hope, reduced risk of recurrence are the major advantages of this intervention.