Using an electrode as a lever to increase the distance between renal cell carcinoma and bowel during CT-guided radiofrequency ablation

The technique of using an electrode as a lever to increase the distance between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and bowel during CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is described. CT-guided percutaneous RFA was performed in two patients with two RCCs, which were in close proximity to the adjacent bowel. A sterile drape was placed on the electrode handle following appropriate electrode placement within the tumor in order to displace the kidney upward and to widen the distance to >5 mm between RCC and bowel (RCC-to-bowel distance). In patient 1, the RCC-to-bowel distance increased from 3 mm to 6 mm; in patient 2, from less than 2 mm to 6 mm. Follow-up CT performed 1 month after RFA demonstrated not only complete ablation of the two RCCs but also no thermal injury to the bowel adjacent to the tumors. In conclusion, an electrode might be used as a lever to increase RCC-to-bowel distance during CT-guided RFA by placing a sterile drape on it.