Radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal tumors is a promising technique that plays a unique and increasingly important role in urologic oncology practices. RFA is appealing as a minimally invasive therapy that may be performed on an outpatient basis. It enables treatment of an area 3 to 5 cm in diameter, with relatively low morbidity and mortality rates. Most interventional radiologists (IRs) are familiar with RFA of liver tumors, and several principles and techniques used in the liver may be extrapolated for use in the kidney. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that local tumor ablation in the kidney presents unique challenges, secondary to the kidney's unique anatomic and physiologic features. Clinical and technical considerations, risks, and complications pertaining to RFA of renal tumors are reviewed here, including approaches commonly used in our practice.