Abstract
Background
Microwave ablation (MWA) has been developed as one of the most commonly used local oncologic treatments. However, there is still a dearth of studies concerning MWA in the treatment of renal angiomyolipomas (AML).
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous MWA when treating AML.
Material and Methods
Nineteen lesions with pathologically confirmed AML in 14 patients (5 men, 9 women; mean age, 49.2 ± 14 years) were treated with US-guided percutaneous MWA with one or two cooled-shaft needle antennae. A power output of 45 W or 50 W for 300–1140 s was emitted to achieve complete tumor necrosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed to observe the treatment efficacy 3 days later. Patients were followed up with CEUS, computed tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 1, 3, and 6 months, and long-term ablation efficacy was evaluated every 6 months thereafter.
Results
Among the 19 renal lesions, 17 achieved complete ablation as monitored by US after one session of MWA, and two patients required a second session of MWA. Postoperative evaluation with CEUS showed that complete ablation was obtained in 15 lesions; however, in four lesions, complete ablation could not be attained. During the follow-up period of 6–36 months (median, 10 months), a fistula to the descending colon was found in one patient and local infection around the ablation zone was found in another. Neither injury to the renal pelvis nor damage to renal function was observed. None of the patients exhibited hematuria or abnormalities in routine urine tests during the hospitalization period or during follow-up. Minor complications, such as subcapsular bleeding, mild to moderate pain, and fever were eliminated after appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
MWA is an effective and minimally invasive technique for the management of AML that can preserve renal function with acceptable complication rates.
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