Retroperitoneoscopic-guided radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors

Objective: Minimally invasive approaches to the management of renal tumors are being studied intensively in urology. Herein, we describe the use of multiple organsparing techniques for the management of tumors in a patient with von Hippel Lindau disease (VHL). Materials and Methods: A 42 year-old woman with VHL underwent a right partial adrenalectomy and a left renal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of two renal tumors. Results: A 2.2 cm solitary right adrenal pheochromocytoma was resected using a transperitoneal approach. A retroperitoneal approach to the left kidney was performed and RFA of the two renal tumors completed using sonographic guidance. On the 5-month follow-up CT scan, there was no evidence of residual adrenal tumors and both renal lesions lacked contrast enhancement. No complications occurred during the post-operative recovery. Conclusions: Multiple organ-ablative laparoscopic procedures may be performed in a single sitting. Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy is an effective technique in patients with bilateral tumors or a familial syndrome predisposing to multiple adrenal tumors. Further study of renal RFA is required to assess the longterm durability of the procedure.