Retroperitoneal laparoscopy radiofrequency ablation for renal cancer with tumors smaller than 3 cm: a report of two cases
Keywords:
Radiofrequency ablation, Retroperitoneal laparoscopic, renal cell carcinoma, small renal tumor, case reportAbstract
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the intermediate results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with tumor size less than 3 cm, based on two case reports. Additionally, a comprehensive retrospective literature review is conducted to further explore the efficacy and technical aspects of this technique. Materials and Methods: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation was performed on two renal tumors smaller than 3 cm in two patients. Follow-up studies included physical examinations, serum creatinine levels, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to assess the pathological criteria for complete ablation. Recurrence was defined as contrast enhancement on imaging studies at 3 months or lesion growth on subsequent imaging. Results: Two patients (one male and one female, aged 61 and 48 years, respectively) underwent the procedure. Tumor sizes were 23 mm and 28 mm, located at the upper pole of the right kidney and the mid-pole of the left kidney, respectively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings were suspicious for renal cell carcinoma. One patient underwent intraoperative biopsy, which confirmed renal malignancy. The total operative times were 35 and 45 minutes, respectively, while the radiofrequency ablation times were 20 and 30 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 3 days for both patients. Follow-up at 18 months and 9 months, respectively, demonstrated tumor shrinkage on contrast-enhanced CT, leaving only small scars, with no evidence of recurrence. Serum creatinine levels remained stable compared to preoperative values. Conclusion: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for renal tumors smaller than 3 cm. At 18-month follow-up, oncologic outcomes showed no evidence of recurrence.
References
1. Bex A, Albiges L, Bedke J, et al. EAU Guidelines on Renal Cell Carcinoma. Arnhem, The Netherlands: EAU Guidelines Office; 2025. ISBN 978-94-92671-29-5.
2. Ziglioli F, De Filippo M, Cavalieri DM, et al. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in renal cancer: how to manage challenging masses. A narrative review. Acta Biomed. 2022;93(5):e2022220. doi:10.23750/abm.v93i5.12827.
3. Johnson BA, Sorokin I, Cadeddu JA. Ten-year outcomes of renal tumor radio frequency ablation. J Urol. 2019;201(2):251-258. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.08.045.
4. Lee JY, Yang SW, Lim JS. Advocating laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation as an optimal treatment for small renal cell carcinoma in special patient populations. Investig Clin Urol. 2023;64(5):510-511. doi:10.4111/icu.20230262.
5. Campbell SC, Uzzo RG, Karam JA, Chang SS, Clark PE, Souter L. Renal mass and localized renal cancer: evaluation, management, and follow-up: AUA guideline: part II. J Urol. 2021;206(2):209-218. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000001912.
6. Young EE, Castle SM, Gorbatiy V, Leveillee RJ. Comparison of safety, renal function outcomes and efficacy of laparoscopic and percutaneous radio frequency ablation of renal masses. J Urol. 2012;187(4):1177-1182. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2011.11.099.
7. Sorokin I, Chamarthy M, Cadeddu JA. How I do it: percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Can J Urol. 2017;24(1):8679-8683.
8. Trudeau V, Larcher A, Boehm K, et al. Comparison of postoperative complications and mortality between laparoscopic and percutaneous local tumor ablation for T1a renal cell carcinoma: a population-based study. Urology. 2016;89:63-68. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2015.08.043.
9. Gunn AJ, Gervais DA. Percutaneous ablation of the small renal mass—techniques and outcomes. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2014;31(1):33-41. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1363841.
Downloads
Publication Date
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Hoàng Văn Công, Phan Duy Nhật (Tác giả)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
