Kidney Tumor Ablation: A Nonsurgical Alternative to Nephrectomy

What is the procedure like?

While the patient is under anesthesia or conscious sedation, the interventional radiologist uses computed tomography (CT) to identify the tumor, which has already been identified from prior imaging. Biopsy of the mass, if not already completed, is done at the beginning of the ablation session. Then a thin needle-shaped probe is advanced through the patient’s skin until the tip of the probe is correctly placed inside the tumor. The radiologist then activates the probe—either with an electrical current of radiofrequency or microwave energy or with a cold gas—to create extreme heat or cold around the tip of the probe. The temperature destroys the tumor instantly. The procedure takes two to three hours including preparation time; the actual procedure usually takes an hour or less. The patient will experience some controllable pain for a few hours after the procedure, but the pain typically resolves rapidly with mild medication. The patient is sent home within 24 hours of the procedure and can resume normal activities. 

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Prior to the procedure, the patient meets the interventional radiologist at the Interventional Radiology Clinic to discuss the procedure and any questions that may arise.  The patient undergoes a history and physical exam, receives any needed lab tests, and signs a consent form. Patients meet with the anesthesia staff during the Clinic visit as well.

How do I follow-up for the procedure?

One of our physician’s assistants calls the patient after the patient is sent home to ensure there are no complications. A report is sent to the referring physician within 24 hours to indicate the results of the procedure and any recommended follow-up care.

How reputable are your physicians?

UCSF’s Interventional Radiology Section is world-renowned. We are supported by a team of top anesthesiologists, physician’s assistants, nurses and technologists who are all highly experienced in the kidney tumor ablation procedure.

Consultations should include:

1. Patient demographics;
2. Patient insurance;
3. Referral (Brief description of medical condition and reason for consultation;
4. Mail a CD with images from the patient to: Ronald Zagoria, MD, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Room M-372, San Francisco, CA 94143. 

After reviewing the images, one of our physicians will contact the referring physician to discuss the consult and next steps.

Please send direct consult requests via email to [email protected].

After a kidney tumor ablation procedure is scheduled, UCSF’s Central Authorization Unit will help patients and referring practices with pre- service insurance authorization or pre-service coverage determination when the patient is referred by a UCSF provider. Patients referred by non-UCSF providers must obtain insurance authorization through their referring physician’s office. In most cases this procedure is covered by insurance plans, including Medicare. UCSF’s Radiology Billing Department is happy to answer any questions about billing or provide price estimates for any Radiology services, call 415-514-8888.