Percutaneous radiofreqency ablation – a minimal-invasive method – in kidney cancer treatment
Article published in Urologia Polska 2008/61/Supl. 1.

authors

Jerzy Siekiera, Witold Mikołajczak, Krzysztof Kamecki, Andrzej Wronczewski, Andrzej Petrus

Oddział Urologii Onkologicznej, Centrum Onkologii im. prof. F. Łukaszczyka w Bydgoszczy

summary

Introduction.

Radical operations, endoscopy and organ saving operations in selected pa-tients are standard in urogenital neoplasms treatment. Radical endoscopic minimal-invasive treatment methods are sought after, thermal ablation is such a method. Radiofrequency abla-tion (RFA) is based on destruction of neoplastic tissue with high temperature. When per-formed percutaneously, it is considered a minimal-invasive method. It is an innovative method used to treat patients unsuitable for other operative methods. RFA uses radio-frequency (460 kHz) alternating current conducted directly to the tumour with a needle elec-trode. Excited ions induce temperature increase in tissue surrounding the electrode and cause coagulation necrosis. Patients are monitored with contrast computed tomography and arte-riography in certain cases.

Objectives.

Presentation of our experiences with usage of radiofrequency waves in treatment of kidney neoplasms.

Materials and methods.

In years 2005-2007 181 patients with kidney cancer were treated in Oncological Urology Department. In 99 (55%) of them radical nephrectomy was performed, in 5 (0.05%) partial kidney resection, 38 (20%) underwent thermal ablation and 38 (20%) renal artery embolization. In 23 of 38 patients who underwent thermal ablation, it was per-formed as an alternative to partial kidney resection. Patients with tumour size lower than 3 cm were qualified for thermal ablation. Patients were monitored for 3 years with computed tomo-graphy in every 6 months and arteriography in uncertain cases.

Results.

No case of progression of neoplasmatic disease was observed during the observation period. Obtained results indicates that thermal ablation is an effective minimal-invasive treatment method and may be an alternative for organ-saving operations.

Conclusions.

Thermal ablation is an effective radical, organ saving treatment method and an alternative to partial kidney resection in tumours smaller than 3 cm limited to kidney. This method is an effective alternative to surgical treatment. Its effectiveness depends on appropri-ate application and assessment of effects.