Treatments

Non-surgical Kidney Cancer Treatment: Percutaneous Ablation

Posted on by Prof. Dr. Özgür KILIÇKESMEZ

Kidney cancer is a serious health issue that requires timely intervention. Percutaneous ablation therapy offers an effective alternative to traditional surgery. This method is performed through needle punctures without large incisions. Patients usually stay in the hospital for one day after treatment and can quickly return to daily life. Percutaneous ablation can be repeated if the tumor is not completely eliminated or recurs. Performed without general anesthesia, this procedure provides minimal pain and rapid recovery for patients.

What Is Percutaneous Ablation?

Percutaneous ablation is the destruction of cancerous tissue using needle-like devices under imaging guidance. This treatment is considered a minimally invasive approach. One of its main advantages is the patient’s rapid recovery and return to normal life. Ablation is especially preferred for various cancers, notably kidney cancer. The techniques used during treatment include:

Thermal techniques:

KIDNEY CANCER MICROWAVE ablation result

  • Heat-based therapies
  • Radiofrequency
  • Microwave
  • Laser
  • Cryoablation

Non‑thermal techniques:

  • Chemical ablation
  • Irreversible electroporation (IRE)

These methods effectively target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Is Percutaneous Ablation Safe and Effective?

Percutaneous ablation techniques have been used safely and effectively in kidney cancer treatment for many years. Their inclusion in clinical guidelines demonstrates their acceptance and reliability. Numerous scientific studies support the efficacy and safety of this therapy. Percutaneous ablation is now often combined with standard chemotherapy. This combination is particularly recommended when chemotherapy yields the best response. The treatment offers the following advantages:

  • Short hospital stay
  • Rapid recovery
  • Minimally invasive approach

Why Is Percutaneous Ablation Used?

Percutaneous ablation is a method for effectively treating cancerous tissue. It is chosen to prevent tumor growth and spread. Untreated tumor tissue tends to disseminate in the body, posing a serious threat to patient health. Ablative treatments target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This feature is especially important when treating sensitive organs. Treating cancer with minimal tissue loss offers various advantages in different organs:

  • Liver: Provides effective intervention for liver cancer in cirrhotic patients with early liver failure.
  • Kidney: Protects kidney cells in patients with impaired kidney function.
  • Lung: Preserves respiratory function in patients with limited breathing capacity when treating lung cancer.

Who Is Percutaneous Ablation Performed On?

Percutaneous ablation is considered a treatment option for various cancers. It is particularly suitable for patients at high surgical risk or who decline surgery. Percutaneous ablation is most often chosen for the following cancers:

  • Liver cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bone cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Lymph node cancers

This method is sometimes used alongside existing treatments and, in some cases, as a first‑line therapy. Patients benefit from returning to normal life quickly after percutaneous ablation.

How Is Percutaneous Ablation Performed?

Percutaneous ablation for kidney cancer is a minimally invasive procedure. Patient preparation begins with fasting, and an intravenous line is established during the procedure. Imaging techniques allow the interventional radiologist to precisely locate the tumor. A thin needle is advanced through the skin under local anesthesia until it reaches the tumor. Two different techniques may be applied during ablation:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):

  • The needle tip is heated by radiofrequency or microwave, causing tissue heating
  • Cancer cells are destroyed by the generated heat

Cryoablation:

  • The needle tip is frozen with cold gases
  • Cells are destroyed by freezing

What Are the Advantages of Percutaneous Ablation?

Percutaneous ablation is an alternative to surgery in kidney cancer treatment. This method’s minimally invasive nature provides many benefits:

  • Faster Recovery: Patients experience minimal pain, accelerating healing.
  • Less Invasive: Unlike other surgeries, percutaneous ablation uses needle punctures without large incisions.
  • Minimal Damage: Only diseased tissue is targeted, preserving healthy kidney tissue.
  • Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients usually have a brief hospital stay or outpatient treatment.
  • Fewer Scars: Only needle‑sized puncture marks remain, offering an aesthetic advantage.

What Is the Post‑Treatment Process?

The recovery process after percutaneous ablation enables patients to resume daily life quickly. Patients can typically return to basic activities within 24 hours. However, waiting a few weeks before resuming heavy work is recommended. During this period, the following steps are followed:

Limiting physical activities:

  • Rest for 24 hours for basic activities.
  • Rest for several weeks before heavy labor.

Pain and sensitivity management:

  • Use prescription or over‑the‑counter medications.

Monitoring potential complications:

  • Risk of infection.
  • Possibility of bleeding.
  • Risk of damage to surrounding tissues.

Percutaneous ablation is particularly effective for small kidney tumors. Studies support its success rates and rapid recovery as an alternative to surgery in such cases. With low complication risk, most patients complete this process without issues.

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