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Abstract

This was a selected group of patients who were at high surgical risk and thus were offered RFA as an option. Most of the complications in this cohort were easily identifiable, treatable, and reversible. No deaths, cardiac events, pulmonary events, urinary leaks, or acute kidney loss occurred. The overall safety of the procedure in those with two kidneys is actually well established. 1 Johnson D.B. Solomon S.B. Su L.M. et al. Defining the complications of cryoablation and radio frequency ablation of small renal tumors: a multi-institutional review. J Urol. 2004; 172: 874-877 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (228) Google Scholar , 2 Varkarakis I.M. Allaf M.E. Inagaki T. et al. Percutaneous radio frequency ablation of renal masses: results at a 2-year mean follow-up. J Urol. 2005; 174: 456-460 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (168) Google Scholar , 3 Gervais D.A. McGovern F.J. Arellano R.S. et al. Radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinoma: part 1, indications, results, and role in patient management over a 6-year period and ablation of 100 tumors. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005; 185: 64-71 Crossref PubMed Scopus (503) Google Scholar , 4 Ahrar K. Matin S. Wood C.G. et al. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors: technique, complications, and outcomes. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2005; 16: 679-688 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (93) Google Scholar Partial nephrectomy, whether open or laparoscopic, remains our procedure of choice for patients with renal tumors when feasible, but for poor surgical candidates or those who refuse surgery, RFA is a reasonable alternative therapy. In the high-risk patient population with a solitary kidney, RFA is associated with a reasonably high expectation of preservation of renal function. Is Radiofrequency Ablation Safe for Solitary Kidneys?UrologyVol. 69Issue 5PreviewTo determine the safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with a solitary kidney. Full-Text PDF