Ureteral stenosis after percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of renal tumor is a rare but severe complication, and its risk factors are not apparent.
This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for stenosis of ureter after MWA treatment of the renal tumor that is a rare complication.
Data of 211 patients who underwent MWA for the treatment of renal tumor were retrospectively analyzed from September 2006 to August 2019. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, ablation parameters, and outcomes were analyzed to find out the potential risk factors of this complication.
Six of 211 patients developed ureter stenosis, and the rate of this complication is 2.84%. The median time of emergence of hydronephrosis was 226 (range, 3–390) days. Univariate analysis shows the distance between ureter and tumor (
The stenosis of the ureter after MWA of renal tumor is not associated with the tumor size, location, or the distance between the ureter and tumor and ablation site independently. But R.E.N.A.L. score is associated with ureter stenosis after MWA for the treatment of renal tumor, which combines the information of location, depth, and size of tumor. Preoperative evaluation of the tumor is necessary for avoiding ureter stenosis. Further studies should focus on these risk factors of this complication.