PURPOSE: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a viable treatment option for small renal masses (SRMs).
However, a standardized system for predicting complication risks has not been studied. We evaluated our experience with RFA for SRMs to assess whether the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score is associated with complication risk.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent RFA at our institution between May 2001 and May 2011. RFA was performed using a temperature-based system and a 25-gauge nine-tine array needle probe. Patients with preoperative imaging available for R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring were included. R.E.N.A.L. composite scores, tertile stratification and preoperative patient characteristics were analyzed for significance in relation to complications. Complications were defined using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.
RESULTS: A total of 199 patients had preoperative nephrometry scores available. 170 underwent percutaneous RFA and 29 laparoscopic RFA. Mean ASA score was 2.6 (Range 1-4). Mean tumor size was 2.4cm (range 0.7-5.4cm). Overall, 14 complications were identified; 10 minor (Clavien I-II) and 4 major (Clavien III-IV). There was no significant association between complications and RENAL nephrometry score, RENAL nephrometry tertiles, tumor diameter, tumor location or ASA (p> 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring, fails to predict complications of RFA for small renal masses when using a temperature-based nine-tine array probe.
Written by:
Seideman CA, Gahan J, Weaver M, Olweny EO, Richter M, Chan D, Cadeddu JA. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, US.
Reference: BJU Int. 2013 Jun 13. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/bju.12276
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24053576
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