Ablation for Kidney Cancer
A minimally invasive way to destroy small kidney tumors with extreme cold or heat, keeping the kidney in place.
Overview
Kidney (renal) cancer is most often treated with surgery that removes all or part of the kidney. For some patients, especially those whose other health conditions make surgery risky, ablation offers an alternative. Ablation destroys the tumor in place using extreme cold or heat, without removing the kidney.
Types of ablation
Cryoablation freezes and then thaws the tumor. It is used for small tumors, usually up to about 4 cm. A thin needle is placed either through small laparoscopic incisions or through the skin (percutaneously), guided by a CT scan.
Radiofrequency ablation uses several needles that carry electric current or radio waves to heat and destroy the tumor. It is usually done under local anesthesia, so you stay awake, with medicine to help you relax.
Outcome
Both techniques are relatively recent. Cryoablation was first used for kidney tumors in 1995, and radiofrequency ablation is newer still. Results so far are promising, and regular long-term monitoring is an important part of care after treatment.
What to expect
For cryoablation, your doctor may ask you to stop some medicines or supplements up to a week ahead. You will need to fast for about eight hours before the procedure. For radiofrequency ablation, preparation is similar, with the same instructions on medicines and fasting.
Cryoablation: a needle delivers very cold gas that freezes and thaws the tumor, placed laparoscopically or through the skin under CT guidance.
Radiofrequency ablation: several needles are placed in the tumor and deliver heat to destroy it, usually under local anesthesia.
Cryoablation: most people stay in hospital for one day. Full recovery can take up to three weeks, so avoid strenuous activity and arrange help at home. Follow-up scans are scheduled over the next six months.
Radiofrequency ablation: many people go home soon after and return to normal activities within a few days, though more than one session may be needed.
Risks
For some people, ablation is safer than surgery because of age or other health conditions. It aims to preserve the kidney and usually means a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. Things to discuss with your doctor:
- More than one treatment may be needed.
- Heat or cold can affect nearby tissue, causing urine leakage or blockage. Temporary stents may be used to protect the urinary tract.
- Infection or damage to the kidney.
Frequently asked questions
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References
Doctors & departments
See all specialistsCare at Wattanavipa
Your first consultation, imaging and follow-up can take place at Wattanavipa. When ablation is recommended, the procedure is coordinated with the specialist team at Vejthani International Hospital, with your records shared between both hospitals.
Have a question about your health?
Talk to a Vejthani specialist or book a visit at Wattanavipa.