Cryoablation – freezing of kidney tumors

The Department of Urology at the USZ was the first clinic to perform this operation in Switzerland in 2006 and thus has many years of experience.

Cryoablation is a good therapeutic alternative to classic surgical therapy (partial kidney resection), especially for patients with small and/or multiple kidney tumors up to three to four cm in size and/or severe concomitant diseases.

Depending on the size, the tumors are cooled to -60° to -70°C for two times ten minutes using one to six 1.47 mm thin cryoprobes and argon gas, which results in complete cell and tumor destruction.

The procedure is performed using video endoscopy, i.e. via three or four max. 10 mm long incisions, the kidney tumor is visualized with the help of instruments and a camera. The cryoprobes are then inserted into the tumor under direct visual and ultrasound control. Compared to classic partial kidney resection of small tumors, cryoablation is associated with fewer surgical risks. The published short and medium-term study results regarding the cancer cure achieved with this method are very promising.

Responsible senior physician

Daniel Eberli, Prof. Dr. Dr. med.

Director of Department, Department of Urology

Tel. +41 44 255 54 01
Specialties: Prostate cancer: 3D prostate biopsies (MRI fusion, stereotactic), DaVinci robotics and laparoscopy, HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Robotic surgery (kidney and bladder), Treatment of benign prostate enlargement

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University Hospital Zurich
Department of Urology
Frauenklinikstrasse 10
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 54 40
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Responsible Department

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