By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
In recognition of National Kidney Health Month, Halton Healthcare is the first regional hospital to offer renal (kidney) cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that targets kidney tumours with precision while minimizing recovery time.
Cryoablation uses extreme cold to destroy cancerous kidney tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure, performed in the Interventional Radiology Suite using image guidance, offers a non-surgical option with outcomes similar to surgery but faster recovery times and fewer risks.
Typically available only in Toronto or London, the treatment has been accessible to Halton Healthcare patients for nearly a year, thanks to $40,000 in funding from The Innovators, a group of young professionals, through the Oakville Hospital Foundation.
“This procedure is a game-changer,” said Ronald Wessels, one of the first patients to receive cryoablation at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. “The cryoablation was incredibly effective, and I had virtually no pain afterward. After previous surgeries, I had weeks of recovery, and this felt like nothing. I had a band-aid, no pain meds, and was back on my feet almost immediately. The recovery was incredibly quick and smooth.”
The success of cryoablation at Halton Healthcare highlights the hospital’s ability to offer innovative, life-saving options that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
“Cryoablation helps preserve kidney function by targeting just the tumour, without removing large portions of the kidney,” explained Dr. Samuel Xu, a radiologist at Halton Healthcare. “Studies have shown that after cryoablation, the rate of kidney disease progression is much lower compared to surgery. For example, up to 30% of patients who undergo partial nephrectomy develop stage-three kidney disease within three years, while only about 5-6% of cryoablation patients experience the same.”
Cryoablation has proven effective for treating tumours up to four centimetres in size. However, for larger tumours, surgery tends to offer better technical success. It’s important to note that cryoablation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Patient selection is crucial, as cryoablation may require multiple sessions and should be evaluated based on each patient’s unique situation.
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