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Pneumodissection: an alternative protective technique for the percutaneous cryoablation of small renal masses
Matthew J Maurice1, John R Haaga, Dean A Nakamoto
1Center for Urologic Oncology & Minimally Invasive Therapies, Urology Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Introduction:
Percutaneous cryoablation is an emerging treatment option for the small renal mass. It poses a risk of thermal injury to adjacent tissues, limiting its application. We describe pneumodissection, a novel technique for preventing thermal injury during percutaneous cryoablation.
Materials And Methods:
The cases of 4 patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation and pneumodissection were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
Pneumodissection mechanically separated four tumors from overlying bowel segments (mean distance 1.2 ± 0.4 cm), permitting successful cryoablation. There were no complications or recurrences with 7.5 months of follow-up.
Conclusions:
Pneumodissection is a feasible displacement technique that facilitates percutaneous cryoablation in at-risk patients. Further study is warranted.