Table 1.
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.