Thermal ablation of kidney tumors: the minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery at Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio

“Thermal ablation of kidney tumors is a technique that uses heat sources, such as radiofrequency or microwave energy, to destroy tumor cells in a precise and localized way.

The procedure is performed percutaneously, meaning without surgical incisions: through a very thin needle inserted under CT and/or ultrasound guidance, heat is delivered directly into the tumor, destroying the diseased cells while preserving as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible,” explains Prof. Giovanni Mauri.

Thanks to this approach, thermal ablation makes it possible to effectively treat small kidney tumors, with very low complication rates and reduced hospital stay and recovery times for the patient.

In many cases, patients can be discharged within 24-48 hours, with a rapid return to normal daily activities.

Renal thermal ablation is a therapeutic strategy mainly indicated for small-sized kidney tumors, especially when traditional surgery is contraindicated or considered high risk for clinical reasons.

Prof. Mauri explains:

“This technique is particularly useful in patients:

• with already impaired kidney function;
• with a single kidney;
• at high surgical risk;
• in whom surgery would require complete removal of the kidney.”

As Prof. Carmignani explains:

“The robotic surgery techniques we use are highly technological, minimally invasive, and allow early recovery with short hospital stays. However, there are anatomical situations in which surgery may carry a high risk of nephrectomy, meaning removal of the entire kidney. There may also be clinical conditions in which surgical treatment could have a major impact on the patient’s overall health.”

Renal thermal ablation offers several benefits:

• minimal invasiveness: no surgical incision, lower risk of complications, and short procedure time;
• reduced recovery time: hospital stay is usually less than 2 days;
• preservation of kidney function: a key factor in patients with pre-existing impairment or a single kidney;
• a treatment option for non-operable patients: especially useful in elderly or frail individuals.

One of the distinguishing features of the care pathway offered at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant’Ambrogio for patients with kidney tumors is its multidisciplinary approach: each case is discussed by a team in order to define the most appropriate treatment.

Patients are jointly managed by the Urology and Interventional Radiology teams, which, when necessary, also involve other specialists in the decision-making process (for example, nephrologists or oncologists).

After treatment, patients are then followed through a structured periodic follow-up pathway.

Innovation in Interventional Radiology

“The introduction of thermal ablation for kidney tumors is further proof of the evolution of Interventional Radiology at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio.

Thanks to image guidance and the percutaneous approach, we are now able to treat numerous conditions with precision and minimal invasiveness, combining:

• advanced technology;
• clinical expertise;
• attention to patients’ quality of life.

Our Unit has long been performing minimally invasive image-guided therapeutic procedures, such as percutaneous irrigations, ultrasound-guided treatments for tendinopathies, bone and soft tissue biopsies.

More recently, we have also introduced thermal ablation for thyroid nodules, which treats thyroid nodules or small thyroid tumors with a procedure similar to the renal one, allowing patients to quickly return to their daily activities,” comments Prof. Luca Maria Sconfienza.

Collaboration with the Urology Unit

Thermal ablation represents an important complementary therapeutic option for the Urology Unit, directed by Prof. Luca Carmignani, a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary diseases.

The collaboration between specialists is continuous and makes it possible to offer each patient a highly personalized care pathway, tailored to their specific clinical condition, expectations, and quality of life.

In conclusion, the introduction of thermal ablation for kidney tumors at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant’Ambrogiorepresents an important innovation that responds to the growing demand for effective and minimally invasive treatments. The synergy between Urology and Interventional Radiology stands out as a virtuous model of interdisciplinary integration, allowing patients to receive not just a treatment, but a truly personalized care pathway, aligned with the latest scientific and technological evidence.