Ablative Therapies for the Treatment of Small Renal Masses: a Review of Different Modalities and Outcomes.

The widespread utilization of abdominal imaging has led to an increase in incidentally detected small renal masses. Although partial nephrectomy is still considered the gold standard treatment for these masses, there are risks associated with surgical excision, potentially limiting treatment for older patients with multiple comorbidities. A variety of ablative techniques have developed over the past several decades, altering the management of small renal masses. It is likely that improvements in technology will only broaden the applications of ablative therapy. This article provides an update on the various ablative techniques and outcomes.