Percutaneous Adrenal Radiofrequency Ablation: A Short Review for Endocrinologists

Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2020 Dec;35(4):750-755. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2020.880. Epub 2020 Dec 2.

Abstract

Image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for adrenal tumors in patients who are unable to undergo adrenalectomy. Accordingly, this treatment has become more readily available for treating functioning or non-functioning adrenal masses. Thus, endocrinologists need a better understanding of percutaneous RFA of adrenal tumors. The purpose of this review is to briefly describe the basic mechanism of RFA, indications and contraindications, patient preparation prior to RFA, type of complications, how to avoid complications, RFA procedures, and treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Adrenal gland neoplasms; Multidetector computed tomography; Radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Endocrinologists
  • Humans
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography
  • Radiofrequency Ablation / adverse effects
  • Radiofrequency Ablation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome