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. 2010 Sep;27(3):261–267. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1261784

Table 1.

Comparison of Main Technical Features of Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryoablation in Percutaneous Image-Guided Ablation of Renal Tumors

Radiofrequency Ablation Cryoablation
Typical ablation: 20–30 minutes Typical ablation: 30–40 minutes
Less bleeding More bleeding
More pain (greater need for general anesthesia) Less pain (moderate sedation, outpatient)
Ablation zone not visible during ablation Ablation zone visible during ablation
 • More tumor recurrence  • Less tumor recurrence
 • Higher need for repeat ablation  • Lower need for repeat ablation
 • Higher risk of nontarget ablation  • Lower risk of nontarget ablation
 • Postablation intravenous contrast needed  • Postablation intravenous contrast not needed
Larger ablation zone per applicator (requires less applicators) Smaller ablation zone per applicator (requires more applicators)
Grounding pads (risk of skin burn) Cumbersome equipment
CT monitoring during ablation not possible (artifacts) CT monitoring during ablation possible
Interferes with pacemakers No interference with pacemakers
More likely to damage the collecting system Less likely to damage the collecting system41
Less control over individual applicators More control over individual applicators

CT, computed tomography.