Vanderbrink Brian A, Rastinehad Ardeshir, Caplin Drew, Ost Michael C, Lobko Igor, Lee Benjamin R
Department of Urology, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health Care System, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
J Endourol. 2007 Jul;21(7):726-9. doi: 10.1089/end.2006.0211.
Cryoablation is an increasingly utilized treatment for renal-cell carcinoma. We describe the first reported case of colorenal fistula resulting from percutaneous renal cryoablation.
A 63-year-old man with hematuria was found to have an enhancing renal mass that was treated with percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation. Two months later, he presented with lower urinary-tract symptoms, and CT imaging revealed a colorenal fistula at the ablation site. Ureteral stent placement resulted in resolution of the fistula.
Contrary to previously reported animal and clinical studies, our case report demonstrates that it is possible to incur serious harm to the renal collecting system as a result of percutaneous renal cryoablation. In stable patients, an attempt at conservative management of a fistula should precede extensive reconstructive efforts.
