Current status of ablative techniques for small renal masses

The past few decades have witnessed a steady increase in the number of newly diagnosed small renal masses. Although historically managed by surgical resection, many of these small renal masses are now noted to be amenable to less invasive treatment modalities including thermal ablation or active surveillance. Contemporary series suggest that renal thermal ablation (including cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation), when selectively employed, can maintain oncologic efficacy comparable to extirpation while minimizing complications and treatment morbidity. Therefore, as the incidence of small renal masses in elderly comorbid patients rises, it is likely we will see ablative techniques assume a greater role in management.