CRYOABLATION FOR RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

Effective treatment for T1a renal cell cancers without surgery.

If you’ve been diagnosed with T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a form of kidney cancer, VIE offers a minimally invasive solution: cryoablation. Our team of experts brings decades of experience and advanced technologies to provide this effective alternative to surgery, prioritizing your comfort and safety throughout the process.

Definition

What is cryoablation?

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It’s particularly effective for treating T1a renal cell carcinomas, which are tumors 4 cm or less in size and is an excellent option for patients who may not be suitable for surgery.

Our team of experts has extensive experience performing cryoablation procedures. We prioritize patient comfort and safety, ensuring the procedure is as painless and efficient as possible. Our success rates are a testament to our expertise and dedication.

Treatment and Benefits

How we perform cryoablation

  • Under imaging guidance, a special needle is inserted through the skin into the tumor.
  • The needle delivers freezing temperatures to the cancer cells, effectively destroying them.
  • The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation, ensuring patient comfort throughout.

Our team continues to provide comprehensive care after the procedure. We monitor your recovery and guide post-procedure care. Our team is always available to answer any questions and address any concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cryoablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

  1. How successful is cryoablation in curing RCC? Studies have shown that cryoablation is an effective treatment for T1a RCC, with equivalent therapeutic outcomes to other treatments such as radiofrequency and microwave ablation. However, every patient is unique, and success rates can vary.
  2. What are the side effects of cryoablation? Side effects can include pain at the site of the procedure, bruising, and swelling. More severe complications are rare but can include damage to nearby organs or infection.
  3. Can cryoablation be used for larger tumors or advanced RCC? Cryoablation is most effective for smaller tumors (T1a, 4 cm or less). Other treatments may be more suitable for larger or more advanced tumors. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment options with you.
  4. Will I need additional treatments after cryoablation? Cryoablation can be very effective, but additional treatments, such as medication or radiation therapy, may be recommended in some cases. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Average Recovery Time

Most patients can go home the same day after the procedure. There may be some discomfort in the treated area, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most people can return to their normal activities within a week.

What to Expect

The procedure itself typically takes about 1-2 hours. However, preparation and recovery time means you should expect to be at the clinic for a few hours.

  1. Uhlig, J., Kokabi, N., Xing, M., & Kim, H. S. (2019). Cryoablation versus radiofrequency ablation for T1a renal cell carcinoma: a National Cancer Database study. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 30(8), 1209-1216.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2019.03.020
  2. Yan, S., Yang, W., Zhu, C. M., Yan, W. G., Liu, J. H., Wei, Y. B., … & Wang, L. (2019). Comparison of microwave ablation and cryoablation for the treatment of T1a renal cell carcinoma. World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 17(1), 1-7.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-019-1682-9
  3. Lian, H., Guo, H., Zhang, G., Yang, R., Gan, W., Li, X., … & Tang, X. (2017). Single-center comparison of complications in patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with cryoablation vs. percutaneous microwave ablation. Journal of Endourology, 31(8), 775-781