University Hospital Southampton complete 1,000th kidney tumour procedure
The University Hospital Southampton have reinforced their global leader status in interventional oncology
The University Hospital Southampton have performed their 1,000th kidney (renal) tumour procedure using a minimally invasive technique.
Cryoablation’s a treatment that uses extreme heat or cold to destroy cancer cells - and is associated with fewer short-term complications than surgery.
The 1,000th procedure reinforces the hospital’s global leader status in interventional oncology, placing it among a very small number of centres worldwide to reach this milestone.
Dr David Bree, Consultant Abdominal Radiologist, said: “Our goal has always been to provide patients with a treatment that is as effective as surgery but with significantly lower risk and much faster recovery.
“The approach is particularly valuable for patients who are not suitable for major surgery due to having a single functioning kidney, certain inherited conditions or tumours that were previously considered inoperable.
“By leading the European Renal Cryoablation (EuRECA) Registry and generating the evidence that underpins current NICE guidance, we are not only improving outcomes for our patients but also helping to define the standard of care for kidney cancer internationally.”
Clinical research led by UHS radiology has demonstrated a 94% five-year recurrence free survival rate for patients with renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
Michael Chilton, aged 72, from Winterbourne Gunner near Salisbury, recently underwent the 1,000th renal cryoablation procedure at UHS.
Diagnosed with a tumour in his left-kidney around six weeks ago, he was able to undergo the procedure as an alternative to major surgery and returned home the next day.
He said: “I feel really fortunate to have such an incredible hospital nearby,”
“Knowing that UHS is a global leader in this field, gave me real confidence in my care.
“From the moment I was diagnosed, everything was explained clearly, and the procedure itself was much less daunting than I expected.
“Everything has gone incredibly smoothly and I’m already starting to feel like myself again.”