Comparison of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and open partial nephrectomy for the treatment of size- and location-matched renal masses

Abstract

Purpose: To compare percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with respect to renal function and mid-term oncological outcome.

Materials and methods: From January 2006 to December 2008, 40 (RFA group) and 110 (OPN group) patients underwent RFA and OPN for sporadic RCC, respectively. The sizes and locations of RCCs were matched between the two groups. To determine the lesion size, the maximum transverse diameter was measured. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) before and after treatment and overall three-year recurrence-free survival rates were calculated and compared.

Results: Tumours in the RFA and OPN groups ranged from 9–76 mm (24.4 ± 13.1 mm) and from 6–60 mm (22.3 ± 10.2 mm), respectively (p = 0.962). The locations of RCCs were not significantly different (p = 0.101–0.508). The mean reductions of eGFR in the RFA and OPN groups were 2.3 ± 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m² (range, −23 to +17.5 mL/min/1.73 m²) and 7.4 ± 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m² (−23.6 to +42.8 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively (p = 0.013). Overall three-year recurrence-free survival rates in the RFA and OPN groups were 94.7% and 98.9%, respectively (p = 0.266).

Conclusion: For treating size- and location-matched RCCs, RFA is superior to OPN with respect to the preservation of renal function. Furthermore, RFA can achieve excellent mid-term outcomes that are equivalent to those of OPN.

• Partial nephrectomy
• radiofrequency ablation
• renal cell carcinoma
• renal function