Small renal mass ablation

This is a minimally invasive procedure to treat a small renal mass suspicious of a renal cell carcinoma. This can be done as a day procedure with reduced effects of surgery.

Ablation techniques:

• Microwave ablation: Commonly used here at the Wesley Hospital. Microwave energy is used to heat and destroy the tissue.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency energy hits and destroy the tissue and is favored for masses smaller than 3 cm
• Cryoablation: Utilizes a probe that creates an ice ball around the tumour freezing and destroying the cells. Often used for smaller than 4 cm masses.
• High intensity focused ultrasound

Procedure:

• Percutaneous technique (through the skin)
• Done under CT guidance
• Local anaesthetic

Indications:

• Small renal masses less than 4 cm usually
• Patients who are poor candidates for surgery i.e. age, multiple comorbidities, solitary kidneys and or multiple tumours

Follow-up:

• Usually followed up with regular intervals with either CT scan or MRI scan to confirm complete destruction of the tumour.