There are different type of energy-based ablation for renal cell carcinoma including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) which is initially most common modality used for renal ablation.
Microwave ablation (MWA) which is heat- based cytotoxicity offers faster ablation times and has less susceptibility to thermal heat sink effect. There are multiple indication for renal carcinoma ablation including non-surgical candidate, genetic disorders with increasing likelihood of multiple bilateral renal tumors, solitary kidney with most appropriately sized lesion for ablation in tumors less than 4cm. This procedure is contraindicated in lesion with proximity to renal vascular structures and renal hilar structures and larger than 4 cm tumors.
Most feared complications including ureteral stricture, renal failure and hemorrhage.
Complete necrosis in masses with less than 4 cm with more than 90% is expected