Probe retraction during renal tumor cryoablation: a technique to minimize direct ureteral injury

Ureteral injury is a well-known complication of radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors. Ureteral injury with cryoablation seems to be less common, but has been reported. Herein, the authors describe a technique that can be used to avoid direct ureteral injury during cryoablation of renal masses. Initial ice ball formation serves to fix the probe in the target. The mass and kidney can then be retracted away from the ureter to avoid direct involvement with the subsequent ice ball. The authors report three successful example cases, with no significant complications.