Post Procedure Imaging

Postoperatively, lesions require close monitoring to ensure tumor regression. The renal mass will not completely disappear for months or even years, because fibrosis can replace it, but the mass should progressively decrease in size. A 4 cm angiomyolipoma took over 2 years to resolve, although it steadily decreased in size. Failure to decrease after 6 months should mandate consideration for renal biopsy, repeat cryotherapy, or radical/partial nephrectomy. No set algorithm exists for post-procedure monitoring, but patients need close follow-up (every 3 months) for 12–18 months, followed by long-term surveillance, either until complete regression, or if a lesion becomes stable, annually to ensure no potential recurrence from a margin.