RESUMO
Background/Aim: Cystic nephroma (CN) is a very rare, benign, renal cystic lesion, which is characterized by a usually unilateral, multicystic kidney mass. In adults it is seen more frequently in females (1:8 male-to-female ratio). The peak incidence of CN is between 50 and 60 years of age. Median age at diagnosis is 55 years for females and 44 years for men and it is a rare entity in adults under 30 years of age. Case Report: We report the case of a 52-year-old female patient with chronic right-flank pain, who was treated at our hospital. A multiloculated 10×8.6 cm Bosniak IV renal cyst tumor was depicted on retroperitoneal computed tomography. After a three-dimensional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, the histopathological specimen examination revealed: a multilocular cystic nephroma. Conclusion: CNs are rare benign tumors that should be included in the differential diagnosis when treating large multiloculated complex renal cysts.
Assuntos
Pênis/irrigação sanguínea , Prostatectomia , Artérias , Humanos , Masculino , Próstata , Glândulas SeminaisRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Totally endophytic renal masses may be invisible during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, posing challenge to surgeons regarding tumor's identification and resection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old male was incidentally diagnosed with a completely endophytic, cT1a renal mass. Percutaneous Computed Tomography-guided insertion of a hook-wire was performed prior to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The hook-wire anchored centrally into the tumor and its extra-renal part was easily identified intraoperatively, contributing to tumor's identification and surgical excision. Total operative time was 185 min, warm ischemia time was 21.5 min, tumor excision time was 10 min, and total renorraphy time was 31 min. No complications were encountered perioperatively. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Histology revealed a pT1a, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, with negative surgical margins. CONCLUSIONS: Our first experience indicates that hook-wire guided excision of a completely endophytic renal mass during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is feasible, safe, and cost-effective.
Assuntos
Carcinoma de Células Renais , Neoplasias Renais , Laparoscopia , Adulto , Carcinoma de Células Renais/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Renais/cirurgia , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Renais/patologia , Neoplasias Renais/cirurgia , Laparoscopia/métodos , Masculino , Nefrectomia/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: Review and efficacy assessment of techniques used for intraprocedural endophytic renal mass localization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Advanced search was carried out on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases up to August 2020. Eligibility criteria were set, according to PRISMA statement. OR (95 % CI) for identification or technical success, positive margins and recurrence, were calculated for completely endophytic tumors. Risk of Bias was evaluated using ROBVIS tool. RESULTS: 77 studies used for result synthesis, including 1,317 endophytic tumors, with 758 of them completely endophytic. 356 endophytic tumors treated laparoscopically and 598 robotically, using ultrasound-based methods, transarterial embolization, dual-source CT, invasive signage, 3D printing, and augmented reality variations. Identification success was 97.8-100%, positive margins 0-12.5 % (completely endophytic: 95 % CI; 0.255-1.971, OR 0.709 in laparoscopic, 95 % CI ; 0.379-3.109, OR 0.086 in robotic partial nephrectomy), recurrences 0-3.9 % (completely endophytic: 0 recurrences in laparoscopic, 95 % CI ; 0.0917-2.25, OR 0.454, in robotic partial nephrectomy), and complications 0-60 % . 363 were treated with ablation techniques using CT-based methods, thermal monitoring, transarterial embolization, ultrasound guidance and invasive signage. Technical success was 33.4-100 % (completely endophytic: 95 % CI ; 0.00157-2.060, OR 0.0569 for invasive and 95 % CI ; 0.598-13.152, OR 2.804 for non-invasive localization techniques) and recurrences were 0-20%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-based techniques showed acceptable identification success and oncologic outcomes in laparoscopic or robotic setting. Augmented reality, showed no superiority over conventional techniques. Near infrared fluoroscopy with intravenous indocyanine green, was incapable of endophytic tumor tracking, although when administered angiographic, results were promising, along with other embolization techniques. Percutaneous hook-wire or embolization coil signage, aided in safe and successful tracking of parenchymal isoechoic masses, but data are inadequate to assess efficacy. CT-guidance, combined with ultrasound or thermal monitoring, showed increased technical success during thermal ablation, unlike ultrasound guidance that showed poor outcomes.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Renais , Laparoscopia , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Robóticos , Humanos , Rim/patologia , Neoplasias Renais/patologia , Neoplasias Renais/cirurgia , Laparoscopia/métodos , Nefrectomia/métodos , Recidiva , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
We previously showed that ERCC1 19007 C>T polymorphism was associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) after platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer (aUC). We aimed to confirm this association in a different cohort of patients. Genotyping of the 19007C>T polymorphism was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 98 aUC patients, treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Median age of the patients was 68.8, 13.3% of them were female, 90.8% had ECOG PS of 0 or 1, and 48% received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In addition to chemotherapy, 32.7% of the patients received immunotherapy, and 19.4% vinflunine. Eighty-one patients (82.7%) were carriers of the 19007T polymorphic allele: 46 (46.9%) were heterozygotes, and 35 (35.7%) were homozygotes. The ERCC1 polymorphism was not associated with CSS, progression-free (PFS), or overall (OS) survival in the total population. Nevertheless, there was a significant interaction between the prognostic significance of ERCC1 polymorphism and the use of modern immunotherapy: the T allele was associated with worse outcome in patients who received chemotherapy only, while this association was lost in patients who received both chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our study suggests that novel therapies may influence the significance of ERCC1 polymorphism in patients with aUC. Its determination may be useful in the changing treatment landscape of the disease.
Assuntos
Neoplasias , Platina , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapêutico , Estudos de Coortes , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Endonucleases/genética , Feminino , Grécia , Humanos , Platina/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Non-functional, extra-adrenal, retroperitoneal paraganglioma is a rare, neuroendocrine, and potentially malignant tumor. Its diagnosis and treatment may be challenging. A 69-year-old female patient was admitted because of a left para-aortic, solid, 4.4-cm mass, incidentally discovered during abdominal ultrasonography for screening purposes. Her clinical examination was unremarkable. Preoperative differential diagnosis based on cross-sectional imaging included tumor of neuroendocrine or mesenchymal origin. Hormonal investigation with 24-hour urinary catecholamines and metanephrines and plasma-fractionated metanephrines was in the normal range. Following consultation with the endocrinologist and anesthesiologist, the tumor was removed by using the three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic transperitoneal surgical approach. The perioperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Histopathologic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma of 5 cm in maximum diameter.
RESUMO
Giant adrenal myelolipoma is a rare, benign, sizable, mesenchymal tumor. Preoperative differential diagnosis from retroperitoneal liposarcoma may be challenging. A 66-year-old female patient was admitted because of a sizable tumor at the right retroperitoneal space, incidentally discovered during abdominal ultrasonography for screening purpose. Preoperative imaging studies were indicative for the diagnosis of a giant adrenal myelolipoma (11.7 × 12.9 cm in size); however, a retroperitoneal liposarcoma could not be excluded. We decided to proceed with tumor's surgical removal by using laparoscopic transperitoneal approach and three-dimensional high-definition camera. Intraoperatively, the tumor did not infiltrate surrounding tissues and was surrounded by a thin capsule under which there were sparse, orange-colored spots that resembled adrenal cortex. This finding reinforced the initial and most possible diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma and we easily enucleated the mass. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient demonstrated no recurrence on imaging six months postoperatively. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of giant adrenal myelolipoma, measuring 16.5 x 15 x 6.5 cm.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To compare perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes of Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Partial Nephrectomy (LTPN) and Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy (LRPN) for posterior, cT1 renal masses (RMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases of two urologic institutions applying different laparoscopic surgical approaches on posterior cT1 RMs between June 2016 and November 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Data on patient demographics, perioperative data and tumor histology were collected and further analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Each group consisted of 15 patients. Baseline characteristics were comparable in each group. When compared to LTPN, LRPN was associated with significantly shorter operative time (OT) (115 min versus 199 min, p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: LRPN is associated with a significantly shorter OT compared to LTPN for posterior cT1 RMs. Both surgical approaches are safe, feasible and credible, demonstrating optimal results.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Renais/cirurgia , Laparoscopia/métodos , Nefrectomia/métodos , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Renais/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Peritônio , Espaço Retroperitoneal , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
High risk pulmonary embolism is a rare and life-threatening complication following percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We report the case of a previously healthy, 44-year-old male, who developed acute pulmonary embolism following right percutaneous nephrolithotomy. On the 1st postoperative day, the patient presented with hemodynamic instability, acute respiratory distress, hypoxia, and loss of consciousness. He was urgently intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. Clinical findings set the suspicion of pulmonary embolism with shock. Chest computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent urgent thrombolysis in the cardiac care unit. On the 2nd postoperative day, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to hemodynamic instability and fever. The postoperative course was complicated by right renal bleeding on the 3rd postoperative day, which was managed through angiography and angioembolization of the lower segmental right renal artery, followed by recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections. The patient was transferred back to the urology department on the 66th postoperative day and was discharged seven days later.
RESUMO
Sporadic, synchronous, bilateral, or unilateral Renal Cell Carcinomas constitute a rare clinical entity. We report the case of a 68-year-old male patient who presented in our department due to incidentally discovered multiple, bilateral renal tumors. Magnetic Resonance Imaging demonstrated cT1b renal tumors at the lower pole of each kidney and a cT1a renal tumor at the upper pole of the right kidney. The patient underwent transperitoneal, laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy with renal artery occlusion, histology revealed high-grade, pT1b, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma; however we observed decline of patient's estimated glomerular filtration rate postoperatively. Forty days postoperatively, he underwent open partial nephrectomy for the right sided tumors with manual compression of the renal parenchyma and no use of ischemia. Histology revealed high-grade, pT1a, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma at the upper pole of the right kidney and low-grade, pT1b, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma at the lower pole of the right kidney. There was no additional decline in the serum creatinine value postoperatively. The patient avoided permanent or temporary dialysis and 6 months postoperatively he demonstrated no recurrence on imaging and his renal function remained stable.
RESUMO
Penile Fournier's gangrene (FG) is very rare clinical entity, which is also known as penile necrotizing fasciitis or wet gangrene of the penis. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and in the majority of the described cases it affects not only penis but also the adjacent organs and tissues (e.g., bladder, muscles, rectum, testis, and scrotum). We report a rare case of a previously healthy 68-year-old male, who presented with acute isolated penile Fournier's gangrene. Pus culture was identified with pathogens Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus gordonii, and Prevotella melaninogenica. Prompt surgical exploration, fluid resuscitation, antibiotic treatment, and diligent postoperative care are the cornerstone in the successful treatment of this emergency with high mortality.
RESUMO
Herein, we report the case of a 48-year-old female who developed nontraumatic acute pancreatitis following left supracostal Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Three hours postoperatively, the patient developed fever with signs and symptoms consistent with hydrothorax, which was confirmed radiologically and was managed conservatively. The following days, the patient developed manifestations of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Blood, urine, and sputum cultures were negative. Serum amylase and lipase levels were elevated 3 and 13 times above the normal level, respectively. Imaging studies revealed no pathologic findings from pancreas. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of superselective embolization for treatment of renal-vascular injuries on renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2004, four male patients and one female patient with a mean age of 45.4 years underwent embolization to control bleeding from renal-vascular injuries resulting from iatrogenic interventions (N = 4) or blunt abdominal trauma (N = 1). Angiography depicted a pseudoaneurysm in all patients, together with an arteriovenous fistula in one. Superselective embolization was achieved with 0.035- or 0.018-inch coils combined with a mixture of Histoacryl and Lipiodol in one patient. RESULTS: Bleeding was controlled in all patients and did not recur. No complications occurred after the procedure. Hematuria ceased within 3 days. The serum creatinine concentration returned to pre-injury values within 10 days. Embolization caused an immediate parenchymal ischemic area of 0 to 20% (mean 9%). The contrast-enhanced CT scan 6 months after the procedure revealed a parenchymal perfusion deficit of 0 to 10% (mean 5%). CONCLUSIONS: Superselective embolization resulted in permanent cessation of bleeding. Renal function was preserved in all the patients, and serum creatinine concentrations returned to the pre-injury values. Transcatheter embolization should be considered the treatment of choice in the management of renal-vascular injuries.
Assuntos
Traumatismos Abdominais/complicações , Embolização Terapêutica/métodos , Hemorragia/terapia , Nefrectomia/efeitos adversos , Artéria Renal/lesões , Adulto , Falso Aneurisma/complicações , Angiografia , Fístula Arteriovenosa/complicações , Meios de Contraste , Embucrilato , Feminino , Seguimentos , Hematúria/etiologia , Hematúria/terapia , Hemorragia/etiologia , Humanos , Óleo Iodado , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/terapia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/complicaçõesRESUMO
PURPOSE: We report on our modifications in technique and initial experience with 255 extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (eLRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using significant surgical modifications, our laparoscopic method replicates the steps of the retropubic descending RP. We evaluated 255 consecutive patients who underwent an eLRP with pelvic lymph-node dissection. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 136 minutes (range 84-266 minutes). Because of technical difficulty, the first three patients were converted to open surgery. One major complication, myocardial infarction, and one surgical reintervention in a case of secondary rectourethral fistula after open surgical repair of a laparoscopic rectal injury were observed. The blood transfusion rate was 1.2%. The pathologic stage was pT2a in 56 patients (22%), pT2b in 50 (20%), pT2c in 74 (29%), pT3a in 42 (16%), pT3b in 29 (11%), and pT4 in 3 (2%). Positive margins were found in 7% of patients (13/180) with pT2 tumors and 27% of patients (19/71) with pT3 tumors. The mean catheterization time was 7 days. The continence rates (no pads at all) at 3, 6, and 12 months were 73.7% (146/198), 89.6% (112/125), and 92.7% (38/41), respectively. After a nerve-sparing procedure, the total potency rates at 3 and 6 months were 37.5% (21/56) and 48.8% (21/43), respectively. CONCLUSION: The eLRP seems to be safe with short-term oncologic and functional results at least as favorable as those of open radical prostatectomy and classical transperitoneal LRP. The operative times are shorter, and the complication rate appears to be lower.
Assuntos
Laparoscopia , Prostatectomia/métodos , Neoplasias da Próstata/cirurgia , Adulto , Idoso , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Peritônio , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
AIM: To evaluate the treatment outcome of antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy in men with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia (OTA) as a result of varicocele. METHODS: Between September 1995 and January 2004, 47 patients (mean age 33.8 +/- 6.3 years) underwent antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele with azoospermia (14 patients) or severe OTA (33 patients). Testicular core biopsy was also performed in complete azoospermic patients who provided informed consent. The outcome was assessed in terms of improvement in semen parameters and conception rate. RESULTS: Forty-two (89.4%) of 47 patients had bilateral varicocele. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) did not differ between patients with azoospermia and severe OTA. After the follow-up of 24.8 +/- 9.2 months, significant improvement was noted in mean sperm concentration, motility and morphology in 35 patients (74.5%). Comparison between groups during the follow-up revealed significantly higher values of sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology in the severe OTA group. Pregnancy was achieved in 14 cases (29.8%). Testicular histopathology of the azoospermic patients with postoperative induction of spermatogenesis revealed maturation arrest at spermatid stage, Sertoli-cell-only (SCO) with focal spermatogenesis or hypospermatogenesis. None of the patients with pure SCO pattern or maturation arrest at spermatocyte stage achieved spermatogenesis after the treatment. Preoperative serum FSH levels didn't relate to treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy is an easy and effective treatment for symptomatic varicocele. It can significantly reverse testicular dysfunction and improve spermatogenesis in men with severe OTA, as well as induce sperm production in men with azoospermia, improving pregnancy rates in subfertile couples.
Assuntos
Oligospermia/etiologia , Testículo/irrigação sanguínea , Varicocele/terapia , Adulto , Custos e Análise de Custo , Feminino , Lateralidade Funcional , Alemanha , Humanos , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Masculino , Gravidez , Estudos Retrospectivos , Escleroterapia/economia , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Espermátides/patologia , Espermatogênese , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
AIM: To identify possible risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Between March 1999 and March 2004, 629 patients underwent TURP in our department for the treatment of symptomatic BPH. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound examination. In addition, the flow rate, urine residue, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) were recorded for those who presented without a catheter. Finally, the erectile function of the patient was evaluated according to the International Index of Erectile Function Instrument (IIEF-5) questionnaire. It was determined that ED existed where there was a total score of less than 21. The flow rate, IPSS and QOL assessment were performed at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. The IIEF-5 assessment was repeated at a 6-month follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for ED. RESULTS: At baseline, 522 (83%) patients answered the IIEF-5 questionnaire. The mean patient age was (63.7+/-9.7) years. The ED rate was 65%. After 6 months, 459 (88%) out of the 522 patients returned the IIEF questionnaire. The rest of the group was excluded from the statistical analysis. Six months after TURP, the rate of patients reporting ED increased to 77%. Statistical analysis revealed that the only important factors associated with newly reported ED after TURP were diabetes mellitus (P = 0.003, r = 3.67) and observed intraoperative capsular perforation (P = 0.02, r = 1.12). CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative, newly reported ED after TURP was 12%. Risk factors for its occurrence were diabetes mellitus and intraoperative capsular perforation.
Assuntos
Disfunção Erétil/etiologia , Hiperplasia Prostática/cirurgia , Ressecção Transuretral da Próstata/efeitos adversos , Idoso , Doença das Coronárias/complicações , Complicações do Diabetes , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Qualidade de Vida , Fatores de Risco , Glândulas Seminais/lesõesRESUMO
AIM: To determine retrospectively the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with Peyronie's disease. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with stable Peyronie's disease underwent ESWT (group 1). Fifteen patients matched with the baseline characteristic of the patients in group 1, who received no treatment, were used as the control (group 2). The patients' erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5] score), pain severity (visual analog scale), plaque size and degree of penile angulation were assessed before and after the treatment in group 1 and during the follow-up in group 2. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 32 months (range: 6-64 months) in group 1 and 35 months (range: 9-48 months) in group 2. All the patients were available for the follow-up. Considering erectile function and plaque size, no significant changes (P > 0.05) were observed in group 1 before or after the ESWT. A total of 39 patients (74%) reported a significant effect in pain relief in group 1 after ESWT. However, regarding improvement in pain, IIEF-5 score and plaque size, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In 21 patients (40%) of group 1, the deviation angle was decreased more than 10 degrees with a mean reduction in all patients of 11 degrees (range: 6-20 degrees). No serious complications were noted considering ESWT procedure. CONCLUSION: ESWT is a minimally invasive and safe alternative procedure for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. However, the effect of ESWT on penile pain, sexual function and plaque size remains questionable.
Assuntos
Induração Peniana/terapia , Seguimentos , Humanos , Litotripsia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Dor , Ereção Peniana , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) of the prostate are extremely rare. A very unusual case of simultaneous adenocarcinoma and MPNST of the prostate is reported. A 60-year-old Caucasian male presented for annual urologic examination. Digital rectal examination revealed a painless, toughish, and asymmetrically enlarged prostate. Serum prostate-specific antigen was 1 ng/mL. Radiologic examinations demonstrated a large mass, which was arising from the left peripheral lobe of the prostate. The patient underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate which revealed a smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential. Radical retropubic prostatectomy with en bloc removal of the mass and the seminal vesicles was performed and histology demonstrated low-grade MPNST and adenocarcinoma of the prostate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous prostatic adenocarcinoma and MPNST in the English literature.
RESUMO
The aim of this review is to present the most recent data regarding the indications of mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the results and the complications of the method. Medline was searched from 1997 to January 2014, restricted to English language. The Medline search used a strategy including medical subject headings and free-text protocols. PCNL is a well-established treatment option for patients with large and complex renal calculi. In order to decrease morbidity associated with larger instruments like blood loss, postoperative pain and potential renal damage, a modification of the technique of standard PCNL has been developed. This is performed with a miniature endoscope via a small percutaneous tract (11-20 F) and was named as minimally invasive or mini-PCNL. This method was initially described as an alternative percutaneous approach to large renal stones in a pediatric patient population. Furthermore, it has become a treatment option for adults as well, and it is used as a treatment for calculi of various sizes and locations. However, the terminology has not been standardized yet, and the procedure lacks a clear definition. Nevertheless, mini-PCNL can achieve comparable stone-free rates to the conventional method, even for large stones. It is a safe procedure, and no major complications are reported. Although less invasiveness has not been clearly demonstrated so far, mini-PCNL is usually related to less blood loss and shorter hospital stay than the standard method.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: To present the long-term results and to identify possible risk factors for recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a total of 39 renal tumors ranging from 1.3 to 7.5 cm (mean size 3.1 cm) were treated with RFA using a Rita Medical System model 1500 RF generator attached to a 15-gauge Starburst XL probe under percutaneous CT scan guidance. The average patient age was 61.4 years (range 37-86 y). Indications for RFA were bilateral tumors, presence of serious comorbidities, a high risk of development of additional renal-cell carcinomas, marginal renal function, and patient preference. No tumor was biopsied before treatment; therefore, only local control success rates could be provided. Recurrence was defined as enhancement or lesion enlargement on follow-up CT scan. Statistical analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. Parameters tested were age, sex, and number of ablation sessions, tumor size, location, multiplicity, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. RESULTS: Initial ablation success rate was 90% and with repeated treatment, a success rate of complete ablation reached 97%. Average follow-up was 61.2 months (range 36-84 mos). Recurrence was seen in four tumors. The risk factor associated with recurrence was tumor size exceeding 4 cm (P < 0.01, relative risk [RR] = 3.31). Overall 3- and 5-year tumor control rate was 92% and 89%, respectively. Tumor size was also predictive for recurrence in the subgroup of 17 patients followed for more than 5 years (P = 0.02, RR = 3.15). Tumor control rate for this subgroup was 90%. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, larger tumor size was prognostic for recurrence after RFA for renal tumors. This treatment seems to demonstrate excellent tumor control long-term results, comparable to those achieved by nephron-sparing surgery in a selected group of patients.