Perioperative outcomes and mid-term results of radiofrequency ablation and partial nephrectomy in indications of renal tumor treatment and imperative nephron-sparing procedure

Objective
To compare morbidity, oncological and functional outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and partial nephrectomy in indications of renal tumor treatment with imperative nephron-sparing procedure.

Results
Thirty-six PN and 14 RFA were performed. RFA patients were older (79.2 vs. 62.5 years old), had a higher ASA score (3 vs. 2), a lower RENAL score (6 vs. 7.5) and a lower rate of tumor on solitary kidney or bilateral tumors (P = 0.009). Overall complications (29.4% vs. 6.3%), transfusions (20.6% vs. 0) and longer hospital stay (9 vs. 3 days) were more likely to occur in the NP group. During a median follow-up of 22 months (4.3–53.7), eGFR decrease was similar between the two groups (P = 0.34). On multivariate analysis, PN was associated with an increased occurrence of overall complications (OR = 14.09, P = 0.02) but with a similar eGFR decrease. No patient died.

Conclusion
For patients with an indication of treatment of renal tumor and imperative nephron-sparing procedure, RFA seems to provide low morbidity and comparable functional outcomes as partial nephrectomy. Our limited follow-up does not permit to conclude on oncologic data.

Publication
Perioperative outcomes and mid-term results of radiofrequency ablation and partial nephrectomy in indications of renal tumor treatment and imperative nephron-sparing procedure, V.Arnoux, J.-L. Descotes, C. Sengel, N. Terrier, J.-J.Rambeaud, J.-A. Long.

Published on Elsevier, “Progrès en Urologie”, Volume 23, Issue 2, February 2013, Pages 99-104