[Renal tumors percutaneous ablation by microwave. Initial experience.]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Solid renal tumors present a significant clinical challenge.
• Percutaneous ablation offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments.
• Microwave ablation is an emerging technology for tumor ablation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous microwave ablation for solid renal tumors.
• To review various percutaneous access techniques for renal tumor ablation.
• To assess the impact of different approaches on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 14 patients with solid renal tumors treated with percutaneous microwave ablation.
• Procedures performed under general anesthesia with CT guidance.
• Tumors ranged from 12-50 mm, with a mean size of 37 mm.
• Multiple approaches (transpulmonary, transperitoneal, retroperitoneal) were utilized.

Main Results:

• Complete tumor response achieved in 100% of cases after a mean follow-up of 16.5 months.
• Only two minor complications were reported: self-limited perirenal hemorrhage and asymptomatic hydronephrosis.
• No pneumothorax occurred, even with the transpulmonary approach.
• Serum creatinine levels showed no significant post-ablation changes.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous microwave ablation is a safe and effective method for treating solid renal tumors.
• The choice of approach (transpulmonary, transperitoneal, retroperitoneal) is dictated by tumor location and does not correlate with major complications.
• Microwave ablation induces coagulation necrosis with a smaller sink effect, contributing to its efficacy.