Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Management of renal tumors by image-guided radiofrequency ablation: experience in 105 tumors
David J Breen1, Elizabeth E Rutherford, Brian Stedman
1Department of Radiology, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK. david.breen@suht.swest.nhs.uk
Aims:
In this article we present our experience with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of 105 renal tumors.
Materials And Methods:
RFA was performed on 105 renal tumors in 97 patients, with a mean tumor size of 32 mm (11-68 mm). The mean patient age was 71.7 years (range, 36-89 years). The ablations were carried out under ultrasound (n = 43) or CT (n = 62) guidance. Imaging follow-up was by contrast-enhanced CT within 10 days and then at 6-monthly intervals. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine variables associated with procedural outcome.
Results:
Eighty-three tumors were completely treated at a single sitting (79%). Twelve of the remaining tumors were successfully re-treated and a clinical decision was made not to re-treat seven patients. A patient with a small residual crescent of tumor is under follow-up and may require further treatment. In another patient, re-treatment was abandoned due to complicating pneumothorax and difficult access. One patient is awaiting further re-treatment. The overall technical success rate was 90.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed tumor size to be the only significant variable affecting procedural outcome. (p = 0.007, Pearson chi(2)) Five patients had complications. There have been no local recurrences.
Conclusion:
Our experience to date suggests that RFA is a safe and effective, minimally invasive treatment for small renal tumors.
