Radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinoma in patients with a solitary kidney: a retrospective analysis of our experience

Purpose. This study was done to evaluate the feasibility and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in patients with solitary kidney. Materials and methods. Seven patients (two men, five women; age range 52–70 years; mean age 59.7 years) were treated under computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) guidance. Three patients had single lesions, and the remaining four had multiple lesions. Seventeen lesions (4 cortical, 13 exophytic, maximum diameter range 12–40 mm, mean 21.0 mm) not located close to the renal pelvis were treated. CT or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging follow-up studies were obtained for all patients at the end of the procedure and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months; serum creatinine was also monitored.Results. Ten ablation sessions were performed. In two patients, a perinephric haematoma was detected, and one of these patients had two episodes of self-limiting haematuria. Contrast-enhanced CT and MR imaging at the end of the procedure and at 1 month demonstrated 100% technical success; these results were confirmed at 3, 6 and 12 month. Fisher’s test comparing serum creatinine obtained 1 day before and 1 day after the procedure showed no case of acute renal failure (mean serum creatinine 24 h before the procedure 1.02 mg/dl; mean serum creatinine 24 h after the procedure0.95 mg/dl; p=0.114; not significant). Serum creatinine at follow-up was always within the normal range. Conclusions. Radiofrequency ablation in the solitary kidney is a safe and effective procedure for treating RCC.