Abstract
Current diagnostic methods are capable of detection small kidney tumors, and many of them are found incidentally during imaging for a different indication. This increase the number of low-stage tumors opens the door to less invasive treatment techniques in situations, when active surveillance is not indicated.
Microwave ablation (MWA) is one of thermal ablation methods, which is coming to the fore recently. Its advantage is minimal invasiveness, comfort for the patient and the interventional radiologist, and good results.
The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge about MWA in the therapy of small renal tumors. The recommendations given in this article are based on the current guidelines of international urological societies and our own experience with this method.
A summary of the indication criteria, recommendations which tumors are suitable and unsuitable for treatment with MWA and how to monitor patients after the procedure are presented.