Risk factors for abdominal wall pseudohernia after percutaneous cryoablation of renal cell carcinoma

Introduction Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) is increasingly recognized as a feasible minimally invasive, nephron-sparing treatment for renal cell carcinomas, with comparable efficacy to nephrectomy. The development of abdominal wall pseudohernia (AWP) is a rare complication of PCA for renal masses, which can negatively impact patients’ quality of life. Aim To retrospectively evaluate the risk factors and prognosis for AWP after PCA and, based on these results, to discuss strategies to lower the risk of AWP associated with image-guided PCA for renal masses. Material and methods We retrospectively studied 117 PCAs performed for renal masses in 92 patients, between 2016 and 2019, at our hospital. We compared the following clinical characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, tumour diameter, RENAL nephrometry score, procedural details, transcatheter arterial embolization, dissection techniques, number of cryoneedles used, location of needles, and location of ice ball) between those who developed AWP and those who did not. Results Of the 117 PCAs (92 patients) included in our study group, AWP complications were observed in 6 (5.1%) procedures. Puncture through the erector spinae muscle (p < 0.01) and non-use of hydro- or pneumo-dissection (p = 0.01) were identified as risk factors for AWP. Conclusions Although PCA is relatively safe to perform and the occurrence of an associated AWP is a rare and infrequent complication, the risk for AWP could be further decreased by avoiding punctures through the erector spinae muscle and using hydro- or pneumo-dissection.