[Radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinoma]

Standard treatment for small renal masses is partial nephrectomy, which has shown oncological results similar to radical nephrectomy. Ablation procedures such as radiofrequency and cryotherapy have recently been developed in order to minimize the side effects of conventional surgical excision. This article reviews radiofrequency ablation.

For this review, a search was made in the Medline database using the term "renal radiofrequency ablation".

The different currently marketed systems for delivery of radiofrequency energy are examined. The different delivery approaches (open, laparoscopic, and percutaneous) are described. A trend towards use of the percutaneous approach was seen. Published clinical studies already include patient series with mid-term follow-ups (3 years) showing oncological outcomes similar to conventional resection procedures with fewer complications.

Renal tumor radiofrequency ablation has proved to be an effective treatment with minimal complications. However, it should only be used in selected patients until longer follow-up studies are available.