PURPOSE: With the increased incidence of low stage renal cancers, thermal 
ablation technology has emerged as a viable treatment option. Current AUA 
(American Urological Association) guidelines include thermal ablation as a 
treatment modality for select individuals. We compared the laparoscopic and 
percutaneous approach for the radio frequency ablation of renal tumors under the 
guidance of urological surgeons.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our radio frequency ablation database of 
patients with renal masses undergoing laparoscopic or computerized tomography 
guided percutaneous radio frequency ablation with simultaneous peripheral 
fiberoptic thermometry from November 2001 to January 2011 at a single tertiary 
care center. Data were collected on patient demographics, and surgical and 
clinicopathological outcomes stratified by approach.
RESULTS: A total of 298 patients with 316 renal tumors underwent laparoscopic 
(122 tumors) or computerized tomography guided (194 tumors) radio frequency 
ablation. There were no statistically significant differences between the 
laparoscopic and computerized tomography guided radio frequency ablation groups 
with respect to patient demographics, complication rates and renal functional 
outcomes (p>0.05). The 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimation of radiographic 
recurrence-free probability was 95% for computerized tomography guided radio 
frequency ablation and 94% for laparoscopic radio frequency ablation (p=0.84). 
Subanalysis of the 212 (67%) renal cell carcinoma tumors showed a 3-year 
Kaplan-Meier estimation of oncologic recurrence-free probability (post-ablation 
biopsy proven viable tumor) of 94% for computerized tomography guided radio 
frequency ablation and 100% for laparoscopic radio frequency ablation (p=0.16). 
Median followup was 21 months for laparoscopic radio frequency ablation) and 19 
months for computerized tomography guided radio frequency ablation.
CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and computerized tomography guided radio frequency 
ablation appear safe and effective with statistically equivalent rates of 
complications and recurrence.