Percutaneous microwave ablation of renal masses in a UK cohort. (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: John, Joseph B.; Anderson, Moira; Dutton, Thomas; Stott, Mark; Crundwell, Malcolm; Llewelyn, Rhys; Gemmell, Andrew; Bufacchi, Rory; Spiers, Alexander; Campain, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: BJU international. Volume 127:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 486
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: renal cell carcinoma -- percutaneous ablation -- microwave ablation -- #uroonc -- #KidneyCancer -- #kcsm; Genitourinary organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Genitourinary organs -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Urology -- Periodicals; 616.6
• DOI: 10.1111/bju.15224
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-4096

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To report a tertiary referral centre's experience of microwave ablation (MWA) for suspected renal cell carcinoma (RCC), describing complications and oncological outcomes. Patients and Methods: Consecutive MWA procedures ( n = 113) for renal masses (October 2016 to September 2019) were maintained on a prospective database. Data describing patient, disease, procedure, complications, and oncological outcomes were analysed. Results: The median (range) age was 68 (33–85) years, 73% were male, and the median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 0. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) tumour diameter was 25 (20–32) mm. In all, 95% had renal mass biopsy, with histologically confirmed cancer in 75%. The median (IQR) R.E.N.A.L. (Radius, Exophytic/Endophytic, Nearness, Anterior/Posterior, Location) nephrometry score was 7 (6–8). The median ablation time was 6 min and length of stay was 1 day for 95% of the patients. Clavien–Dindo complication Grades I, II, IIIb and IV occurred in 18%, 1.8%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively. The median follow‐up was 12 months and the median (IQR) renal function change was −4 (−18 to 0)%. One patient (0.9%) had local recurrence, treated with re‐ablation; two developed metastatic progression; and two (1.8%) had indeterminate findings on follow‐up (one lung nodule and one possible local recurrence), managed with ongoing protocolised computed tomography surveillance. Post‐procedure complications were associated with total ablation time (odds ratio [OR] 1.152/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.040–1.277) and total ablation energy (OR 1.017/kJ, 95% CI 1.001–1.033). Conclusions: We describe the largest UK series of MWA treatment for T1a/small T1b renal masses to date. MWA was well tolerated, with 95% discharged the following day and low complication/re‐admission rates. Current follow‐up demonstrates favourable disease control. MWA appears to be safe and effective and should be considered in future prospective comparisons of treatments for T1a/small T1b renal masses.