Long-Term Results After Computed-Tomography–Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Small Renal Tumors

Abstract Purpose: To present the long-term results and to identify possible risk factors for recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal tumors. Patients and Methods: Thirty-one patients with a total of 39 renal tumors ranging from 1.3 to 7.5 cm (mean size 3.1 cm) were treated with RFA using a Rita Medical System model 1500 RF generator attached to a 15-gauge Starburst XL probe under percutaneous CT scan guidance. The average patient age was 61.4 years (range 37–86 y). Indications for RFA were bilateral tumors, presence of serious comorbidities, a high risk of development of additional renal-cell carcimomas, marginal renal function, and patient preference. No tumor was biopsied before treatment; therefore, only local control success rates could be provided. Recurrence was defined as enhancement or lesion enlargement on follow-up CT scan. Statistical analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. Parameters tested were age, sex, and number of ablation sessions, tumor ...