The Infona portal uses cookies, i.e. strings of text saved by a browser on the user's device. The portal can access those files and use them to remember the user's data, such as their chosen settings (screen view, interface language, etc.), or their login data. By using the Infona portal the user accepts automatic saving and using this information for portal operation purposes. More information on the subject can be found in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By closing this window the user confirms that they have read the information on cookie usage, and they accept the privacy policy and the way cookies are used by the portal. You can change the cookie settings in your browser.
Laparoscopic cryoablation has recently been proposed as a minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment for selected patients. We report on our experience with a retroperitoneoscopic technique using multiple ultrathin cryoprobes.Seven patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic renal cryoablation for solid renal masses. Mean tumor size on the CT scan was 2.6 (1.5–3.5) cm. A double freeze-thaw cycle of renal cryoablation was performed under real-time ultrasound monitoring using a total of six 1.5-mm cryoprobes simultaneously.Cryoablation was technically successful in all patients without any need for conversion. Mean duration of surgery was 161 (130–195) minutes and mean blood loss was 107 (50–250) ml. Perioperative biopsy of the tumor confirmed renal cell carcinoma in four patients and angiomyolipoma in two patients; it was inconclusive in one case. Mean follow-up for 13.6 (4–22) months showed no evidence of residual tumor or recurrence.Retroperitoneoscopy-assisted cryosurgical ablation using multiple ultrathin 1.5-mm cryoprobes is a minimally invasive treatment that is suitable to treat small renal tumors.