Percutaneous microwave ablation of renal cell carcinoma is safe in patients with a solitary kidney.

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of clinical outcomes after microwave ablation (MWA) of renal cell carcinoma in patients with a solitary kidney without causing impairment to the uninvolved renal parenchyma and renal function.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2012, 14 solitary kidney patients with 16 tumors underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided MWA at our institution. The tumor diameters ranged from 1.0 to 8.4 cm. The serum creatinine and urea levels of each patient before MWA, 1 day after MWA, and the most recent occasion on record at our institution were collected. Moreover, all the patients were followed up using contrast enhanced ultrasound and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at 1, 3, and 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. The technical success, survival rates, and complications were accessed. Patients were available for clinical and laboratory evaluations at a median follow-up time of 9.5 months (range, 1-56.4).

RESULTS

Complete ablation was achieved in 15 of 16 (93.8%) lesions after 1 or 2 MWA sessions; however, 2 of 14 (14.3%) patients died of widespread metastasis. The renal function was essentially preserved, and no patients require dialysis. No major complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

MWA is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with a solitary kidney who suffer from inoperable renal cell carcinoma. The complication rate is low, and excellent tumor control can be achieved without deterioration of the residual renal function.