The effects of radio frequency ablation on renal function and blood pressure

Purpose: Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is evolving as a nephron sparing treatment alternative for select patents with small renal tumors. The impact of ablated tissue on the remaining kidney parenchyma is unknown. To assess this impact we evaluated pretreatment and posttreatment serum creatinine (sCr), and blood pressure of patients treated with RFA with at least 6 months of followup. Materials and Methods: From our series of 69 tumors treated with RFA 25 patients with a total of 26 tumors and a minimum 6-month followup were identified. RFA was delivered percutaneously or laparoscopically depending on tumor location and patient preference. Blood pressure measurements and sCr levels were obtained at preoperative and postoperative office visits. Values for preoperative and postoperative systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure and sCr were each compared. Estimated creatinine clearance was calculated for each patient before and after treatment, and compared. Results: No patient experienced new onset hypertension or worsening of existing hypertension. Likewise no changes in mean sCr and estimated creatinine clearance were observed. Conclusions: Treatment with RFA does not appear to have an effect on renal function or blood pressure. RFA appears to be a medically safe therapy for patients with small renal tumors.