Percutaneous irreversible electroporation of renal cell carcinomas in an acquired solitary kidney: A primary study

To evaluate the postoperative complications and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a solitary kidney after irreversible electroporation (IRE).

A total of 8 patients with 9 RCCs in a solitary kidney treated with computed tomography (CT)-guided IRE from February 2017 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up included contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging examinations at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and each year after IRE and the evaluation of the incidence of postoperative complications, renal function changes, local tumor recurrence, and metastasis.

Technical success was achieved in all 8 patients treated with IRE. No serious complications were observed. Recurrence or metastasis occurred in two patients. The renal function and hemoglobin values of the 8 patients before treatment and at the last follow-up showed no significant difference.

IRE is a relatively effective, safe, and feasible treatment for RCCs in a solitary kidney, which improved the effective survival and quality of life of these patients.