Image-guided percutaneous cryoablation of renal tumors

With the advent of new diagnostic modalities and improvement in techniques, more renal tumors are diagnosed at earlier stages. Partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors has been shown to be effective for treatment and for preservation of renal function; however, this approach also has morbidity and mortality risks. It has been more than 30 years since operative cryoablation was first used in urology, and the tissue-destructive properties of cryoablation are well established. Cryoablation used for tumor destruction has the potential for maximum preservation of renal parenchyma. With the advent of smaller cryoprobes, the possibility of performing percutaneous image-guided cryoablation has become a reality. The technique appears safe. Its efficacy can only be assumed based on the literature of operative cryoablation; however, it affords a possible approach for patients who cannot undergo surgery.