Ultrasound-Guided Cryoablation of Renal Grafts Tumors.

Tumors in renal grafts are rare with an estimated prevalence of 0.18 % (X. Tillou et al. Transplant Rev. 2015 and FM Drudi et al. J Ultrasound. 2019 [1, 2]). An increased incidence of graft tumors may be observed in the future due to increased donor age and prolonged graft survival. Furthermore, the immunosuppressant state of graft recipients may cause the tumor to behave more aggressively (G. Ploussard et al. BJU Int. 2012: 109: 195–9 [3]). In these complex cases, there is a need for a minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment option that can keep patients free of dialysis. Here we present two cases of T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in renal grafts that were successfully treated using ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoablation: a minimally invasive technique where only the tumor is destroyed, and the graft’s function is preserved. Furthermore, when comparing percutaneous cryoablation to laparoscopic cryoablation and partial nephrectomy, the risk of treatment-related complications is decreased (T. Klatte et al. J Urology. 2014: 191: 1209–17 [4]).